Nepal setting plans for major new highway project

The 5283 Nepalese Government is opening up an expression of interest process that will generate a shortlist to carry out the Kathmandhu-Terai/Madhes Fast Track Road project. The new Kathmandhu-Nijgadh expressway will run for 76km and its construction will involve building a twin tube tunnel 1.35km long and eight bridges. The project will be carried out under the PPP model and construction costs are likely to be in the region of US$844 million. Nepal may well look to neighbouring China for at least a portion of the financing, while the 2332 World Bank and Japan may also be suitable sources. The project will face a number of technical challenges as the planned route runs through mountainous areas and the alignment may have to be amended following the results of feasibility studies.