Nepal's Largest Animal Overpass Under Construction in Jhapa

Kakarbhitta. The largest animal overpass in Nepal is currently under construction along the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi section of the East-West Highway. Supported by a loan from the Asian Development Bank, the project has initiated the construction of a dedicated overpass for elephants in the Charali area of Jhapa.

Engineer Ashraya Mahat of the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi Road Project (Eastern Section) stated that the overpass is being built after identifying the migratory routes of wild elephants coming from India. With the commencement of road construction based on Asian standards, a separate route for wildlife is also being developed.

According to biodiversity studies, Engineer Mahat noted that this route is suitable for elephants. The passage is being constructed to ensure that the movement of wild elephants from India does not disrupt vehicular traffic in the area.

Two bridges, each 15 meters wide and 6.5 meters high, are currently being built. Once completed, high-resolution cameras will be installed to monitor the movement of the elephants, Mahat added.