Road reconstruction to cost 12 billion; restoration of disrupted roads government's priority

Kathmandu, Oct 8: The government has said reconstruction of the road infrastructure damaged by the recent floods and landslides will cost Rs 12.38 billion, and it has attached first priority to restoring the damaged roads. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport stated that an estimated Rs 10.68 billion will be required for reconstruction of the major highways, alternative roads, Bailey bridge and permanent bridges damaged due to the monsoon-induced disasters. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising has said that subordinate agencies are working with the first priority on restoring roads damaged and blocked due to floods and landslides. Also the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ghising, said that manpower along with equipment has been deployed to operate the blocked road as soon as possible. He stated that manpower along with equipment has been deployed to operate the blocked road as soon as possible. The recent flood has caused significant damage to the Mechi Highway. It is estimated that Rs 1.5 billion will be required for the reconstruction of this highway. Similarly, the government estimates that it will cost Rs 3.77 billion to rebuild the damaged Koshi, Mid-Hill, Postal, Araniko, Kanti, Narayanghat-Muglin and other highways. According to Minister Ghising's private secretariat, the government has estimated that it will cost Rs 4.52 billion to rebuild 17 damaged bridges, Rs 800 million to install Bailey bridges, and Rs 1.59 billion for the maintenance of alternative roads.