Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Expressway Faces Delays Due to Khokana Section Dispute
Summary
The Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Expressway faces significant delays due to unresolved disputes in the Khokana section, with only 47 percent progress and likely needing three more years beyond the government's 2026 deadline for completion.
Key Points
- The Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Expressway project is only 46.88 percent complete with about 11 months left to meet the government's March 2026 deadline.
- Disputes over compensation, Guthi land, and protection of archaeological sites in the Khokana section are major causes of the delay.
- Infrastructure expert Arjun Jung Thapa estimates at least three more years are needed to complete the project due to slow progress and technical challenges.
- Despite delays, significant progress has been made on tunnel breakthroughs, bridge foundations, and road blacktopping in other sections managed by the Nepali Army.
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