Nepal Initiates Four-Lane Expansion of Pathlaiya-Hetauda-Narayanghat Highway

Kathmandu. The government has initiated the process to expand the busy Pathlaiya-Hetauda-Narayanghat road section along the East-West Highway into four lanes.

The 100-kilometer stretch is being expanded with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been made public, and preparations for the tender process are underway.

The Project Directorate (ADB) stated that the upgrade of this road section is not merely about physical infrastructure development but also about enhancing Nepal's construction culture and environmental conservation. Furthermore, the project will adopt the 'Quality and Cost Based Selection' method for the tender process.

According to Chudaraj Dhakal, Chief of the Project Directorate (ADB), the tender will be called within the next month. In selecting the contractor, the focus will not only be on the quoted amount but also on technical capacity, technology, and innovation, with an 80 percent weightage given to these factors and 20 percent to the cost. 'Previously, the lowest bidder would get the contract, but now we will award points based on technology and safety,' said Dhakal.

According to Chudaraj Dhakal, Chief of the Project Directorate (ADB), the tender will be called within the next month. In selecting the contractor, the focus will not only be on the quoted amount but also on technical capacity, technology, and innovation, with an 80 percent weightage given to these factors and 20 percent to the cost.

Dhakal explained that contractors will receive 'merit points' based on how they manage dust, reduce traffic congestion, and implement safety measures for workers and the public during construction. This opens the door for contractors who propose high-quality work to win the contract even if they quote a slightly higher price.

He stated that this approach will replace the traditional 'lowest bidder' system with the 'Quality and Cost Based Selection' method.

Under this new arrangement, technical aspects such as dust management, traffic flow facilitation, and safety standards will carry 80 percent weight, while the cost will carry only 20 percent. The main objective is to introduce innovation and modern technology, ensuring that contractors who prioritize quality and environmental mitigation can win the bid. This is expected to discourage the trend of contractors abandoning projects after bidding at unrealistically low prices.

What is the cost?

The total estimated cost of the project is 54 billion 29 million 36 lakh 47 thousand 526 rupees. The Asian Development Bank has confirmed a financial package of 305 million dollars for the overall project. This package includes 285 million dollars in loans and 20 million dollars (equivalent to 3 billion rupees) in grants. This is a highly concessional loan for Nepal, with an annual interest rate of only 1 percent during the initial 8-year grace period, followed by 1.5 percent thereafter. This interest rate is considered very favorable for Nepal in terms of foreign debt. The Directorate is preparing to call for global tenders within the next month once final discussions on technical terms are concluded with the ADB.

Nepal's First Major 'Wildlife-Friendly' Flyover

From an environmental perspective, this project will become Nepal's first truly 'wildlife-friendly' road section. Since the road passes through highly sensitive areas like the Parsa National Park and the Barandabhar Biological Corridor, special structures have been proposed to ensure the unhindered movement of wildlife. According to the report, a 4,002-meter-long 'viaduct' or elevated road structure will be built. The ADB has already agreed to provide a 20 million dollar (approximately 3 billion rupees) grant for the special flyover, which will cover about 2 kilometers of the area.

A 2-kilometer structure will be built in the Parsa National Park area and another 2-kilometer structure in the Barandabhar forest area. Additionally, 21 wildlife crossings and 24 canopy bridges for arboreal monkey species will be constructed to ensure safe passage.

A 2-kilometer structure will be built in the Parsa National Park area and another 2-kilometer structure in the Barandabhar forest area. Additionally, 21 wildlife crossings and 24 canopy bridges for arboreal monkey species will be constructed, aiming to reduce wildlife deaths from road accidents to zero.

The physical design of the road has been scientifically tailored to different areas. The road width will be 50 meters in urban areas, 37.4 meters in semi-urban areas, and 24 meters in forest and rural areas to minimize environmental damage. Under the project, a total of 41 bridges will be constructed, including the expansion of 22 existing bridges and the construction of 19 new ones. Furthermore, for pedestrian safety, 5 overhead bridges, 12 pedestrian underpasses, and 76 state-of-the-art zebra crossings will be provided. This will not only increase vehicle speed but also bring a radical change to road safety.

• 23,000 trees to be cut, 403 private structures to be removed

The social and environmental challenges of such a large project are significant. It is estimated that approximately 23,326 trees within the right-of-way will need to be cut. To compensate for this, over 220 million rupees have been allocated for plantation at a 1:10 ratio and for their protection for 5 years.

Socially, 403 private structures outside the Hetauda market area will be affected, with 272 of them being fully displaced. The Department of Roads, as the proponent, has committed to providing appropriate compensation and support to the affected families according to the resettlement action plan. Additionally, 2,256 electricity poles and 23 small temples will be safely relocated.

The social and environmental challenges of such a large project are significant. It is estimated that approximately 23,326 trees within the right-of-way will need to be cut. To compensate for this, over 220 million rupees have been allocated for plantation at a 1:10 ratio and for their protection for 5 years.

Chief Dhakal stated that the project has also taken the local concerns and disputes regarding road expansion in the Hetauda market area seriously.

Dhakal said, 'There is significant local concern regarding the preservation of the Hetauda market. We are preparing the final report by incorporating suggestions from experts and the public. A middle path will be found that ensures development while preserving the local identity.'

While local residents are urging against the demolition of houses in the market, the Environmental Impact Assessment report mentions that various alternatives are being studied, including utilizing the available 45.8-meter width in the Hetauda market or constructing an alternative bypass road. The Directorate stated that a final decision will be made soon, incorporating local demands and technical suggestions from experts.

Once this project is completed, the travel time from Pathlaiya to Narayanghat will be reduced by approximately 1 hour, which will save billions of rupees annually in vehicle operating costs and fuel consumption, providing a historic boost to the country's regional trade. The Department of Roads is accelerating preparations to call for international tenders within the next month, with the goal of starting construction in 2026 and completing it within 3 years.