Kathmandu–Nijgadh Fast Track: A Multidimensional National Project Racing Against Time

Amid a national climate dominated by political instability, protests, party disputes, and bureaucratic delays, the Kathmandu–Nijgadh Fast Track project has emerged as a rare symbol of hope. With only 17 months remaining before the revised deadline of Chaitra 2083, the project is once again under scrutiny as the Nepal Army reiterates its commitment to completing the long-awaited national pride project on time.

A Project of National Dream and Strategic Importance

The Kathmandu–Nijgadh Fast Track is widely regarded as a transformative economic corridor for Nepal. Launched with a foundation stone laid by then-Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Jestha 14, 2074, the project aims to reduce travel time between Kathmandu and the Terai to nearly one hour and 15 minutes. However, delayed approvals, including the DPR, which was endorsed only on Bhadra 1, 2076, significantly slowed early progress and escalated project costs.

Despite these setbacks, physical works have accelerated in recent years, and the Nepal Army—responsible for construction—has expressed confidence in meeting the current deadline.

According to Project Director Dharmendra Kumar Jha, as of Ashoj 2082, the project has achieved:

• 43.5% physical progress

• 44.7% financial progress

The Army has divided the project into 12 packages, out of which 11 packages are under rapid construction. Only one section—the Khokana starting point—continues to face unresolved land acquisition conflicts and local objections.

Tunnels and Bridges Nearing Completion

The 71-km expressway crosses four districts—Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Makwanpur, and Bara—and includes:

• 13 tunnels (with work ongoing in 7)

• Breakthrough completed in major tunnels like

  • Dhedre Tunnel

  • Len Danda Tunnel

• 90 bridges, including several high and specialized structures

• Total bridge length: nearly 10 km

Furthermore:

• Land compensation of 5,172 ropani has already been distributed.

• 49,634 trees have been cut as required, while more than 700,000 saplings have been planted for environmental compensation.

While most sections show encouraging progress, the Khokana area—originally designated as the official starting point—remains mired in:

• Disputes over alignment and starting point

• Land acquisition issues

• Road access and settlement relocation concerns

• Local protests resisting project entry

The project cannot be fully completed until this final obstacle is cleared. The Nepal Army has repeatedly appealed for decisive action from the government to resolve this critical bottleneck.

Analysts argue that the remaining 17 months are sufficient if:

• All agencies work in coordination

• Bureaucratic delays are minimized

• Procurement and approvals are fast-tracked

• Local issues are resolved immediately

They highlight that countries like China and India build entire smart cities within a year, raising the question: Why should a single expressway take decades in Nepal?

The Fast Track is seen as more than a road—it is a foundation for Nepal’s future economic transformation. Once operational, its impact will be felt across:

1. Agriculture and Market Expansion

The expressway will connect Kathmandu directly with fertile Terai districts like:

• Bara

• Parsa

• Rautahat

• Sarlahi

• Dhanusha

• Siraha

This will:

• Reduce Kathmandu’s dependence on expensive Indian imports

• Encourage local agricultural production

• Cut annual agricultural import costs (currently Rs 400 billion)

• Make vegetables and food products fresher and cheaper for valley residents

2. Reduction in Travel and Transport Costs

Studies by the Asian Development Bank and World Bank show:

• Over Rs 10 billion per year in fuel savings

• Faster, smoother cargo movement

• Decongestion of existing routes like the Mugling–Naubise corridor

• Lower transportation cost → lower product prices → lower inflation

3. Social and Demographic Balance

The Fast Track is expected to:

• Reduce Kathmandu’s overcrowding

• Promote decentralization

• Create new business hubs in the Terai

• Reduce pressure on valley housing, food supply, and infrastructure

4. Integration With Nijgadh International Airport

The expressway is the backbone of the proposed Nijgadh International Airport, making the two projects deeply interconnected. Together, they would:

• Expand international aviation capacity

• Boost tourism and trade

• Strengthen Nepal's position in regional connectivity

According to the revised DPR:

• Total estimated cost: Rs 211.93 billion

• High cost attributed to

  • Difficult terrain

  • Numerous bridges and tunnels

  • Environmental reinforcements

  • Resettlement and compensation challenges

Despite the cost, experts argue the project is extremely cost-beneficial, affecting nearly half of Nepal’s population either directly or indirectly.

Development experts universally agree that modern infrastructure is the first requirement of prosperity. Nepal has long suffered due to:

• Poor-quality roads

• High transport costs

• Overburdened cities

• Uneven economic distribution

• Lack of reliable connectivity

The Fast Track promises to address these systemic issues by:

• Ensuring rapid mobility

• Stimulating regional economies

• Promoting national integration

• Encouraging investments

• Making Nepal’s logistics sector competitive

The Kathmandu–Nijgadh Fast Track is more than a road. It is a lifeline project with the potential to reshape:

• Nepal’s economy

• Social structure

• Urban planning

• Agricultural markets

• National logistics

• Future development patterns

After decades of delay and political indecision, the project is finally moving in earnest. If completed on schedule, it could become one of Nepal’s most transformative infrastructures since the construction of the East–West Highway.

The coming 17 months will determine whether Nepal can deliver on this historic opportunity—or whether the Fast Track will remain another example of the country’s chronic inability to complete big projects on time.