Kathmandu— Preparations are underway to expand a 20.6-kilometre section of Nepal’s BP Highway, linking Dhulikhel with Bhakundebesi, into a two-lane road. The Road Division Office, Bhaktapur, is leading the project, which aims to address increasing traffic volume on the route connecting Kathmandu with eastern districts. Initial work focuses on environmental assessments following the completion of a Detailed Project Report last year, with tendering expected before Dashain. The upgrade will transform the existing intermediate-level road into an 11-metre wide two-lane highway complete with drainage facilities.

Project Details and Environmental Review

The expansion project covers the stretch from Dhulikhel, the starting point of the BP Highway, to Bhakundebesi. Suman Yogesh, chief of the Road Division Office, Bhaktapur, explained that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was completed last year, but concerns about tree felling necessitated an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). Aster Engineering Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. has been contracted to prepare the IEE report, which is due by mid-September.

Addressing Increased Traffic and Safety Concerns

The BP Highway, originally built with assistance from the Japanese government, was designed for lower traffic volumes. However, officials note a significant increase in both small and large vehicles using the road in recent years. Yogesh stated that improving bends and widening the roadway is expected to raise the speed limit from 30 to 60 kilometres per hour, facilitating easier travel for larger vehicles like buses and trucks. The expansion also aims to provide an alternative route for traffic traveling to Kathmandu from Narayanghat.

Broader Highway Improvement Plans

The current project is part of a wider effort to upgrade the BP Highway. Reconstruction of the section between Bhakundebesi and Nepalthok, damaged by floods in 2024, is already underway as a two-lane road. Officials are also considering expanding the remaining stretch from Nepalthok to Khurkot, though widening that section may prove difficult. A contract for a new two-lane bridge over the Sunkoshi River, connecting Nepalthok with the Mid-Hill Highway, has already been awarded.

Once completed, the expanded Dhulikhel-Nepalthok section will provide a continuous two-lane road connection from Nepalthok to Khurkot via the Mid-Hill Highway, further enhancing regional connectivity.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.