Japan likely to assist in BP Highway reconstruction

Kathmandu, February 23 — Japan has shown a positive outlook toward assisting in the reconstruction of the BP Highway, which was damaged by floods and landslides in late September.

A source from the Department of Roads confirmed that Japan is willing to help with the reconstruction. However, the source clarified that it is still uncertain whether the assistance will come as a grant or a loan. The final decision will be made by the Nepal government, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Physical Infrastructure.

On Monday, a team from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is scheduled to have further discussions with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and the Department of Roads, and these discussions are expected to finalize all matters.

Once the agreement is finalized, a contract will be called for the permanent reconstruction of the highway.

Just last Tuesday, the Ministry of Finance had approved source agreements for the BP Highway reconstruction, amounting to NPR 8.5 billion. Of this, NPR 7.5 billion has been allocated for the Bhaktapur section and NPR 1 billion for the Khurkot section of the highway.

For both sections, NPR 1.7 billion has been allocated in the current fiscal year, with NPR 21.25 million allocated for temporary road reconstruction.

Japan’s assistance will be accepted

Ministry of Finance spokesperson Shyam Prasad Bhandari mentioned that since JICA has already conducted a study on the reconstruction, they may also assist in the construction phase. However, he noted that the final decision has not been made yet.  

Bhandari further explained that although JICA had conducted studies in the past, the source agreement was reached before a construction decision could be made.

He added, “Japan has previously assisted in the construction of roads, and if they offer further help, it will be accepted.”