Work slows on East–West Highway upgrade
Summary
Work on upgrading Nepal's East–West Highway to an Asian Highway-standard four-lane road is progressing slowly, with only about 30 percent completed nearly two years after the contract started. Travel conditions are poor due to ongoing construction and delayed pole relocations, causing accidents and disruptions.
Key Points
- The East–West Highway upgrade project is only about 30 percent complete nearly two years after work began.
- The project covers 95.76 kilometres from Kakarbhitta to Labhipur, funded mainly by the Asian Development Bank.
- Delays are caused by material shortages and slow relocation of electricity poles, particularly in urban areas like Itahari.
- Poor road conditions and construction diversions have led to accidents, including two fatalities on December 20.
- The contract period extends until February 2, 2027, leaving 13 months to finish the remaining 70 percent of the work.
