Fast-track The Expressway
Summary
The Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Fast Track is facing further delays as the government extends its completion deadline by three years to April 3, 2030. The project, meant to connect Kathmandu with Nijgadh and boost travel, trade and tourism, remains stalled by land acquisition issues and local concerns in Khokana.
Key Points
- The government has extended the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Fast Track completion deadline to April 3, 2030, the third such extension.
- The 70.977-km expressway has cost Rs. 94.22 billion so far, with physical progress at 50 per cent and financial progress at 51.47 per cent as of mid-September 2026.
- The Khokana-Bungamati section remains a major obstacle because of land acquisition problems and religious, cultural and community concerns.
- The project is seen as strategically important for faster travel, lower transport costs, and a direct road link between Kathmandu and the southern plains.
