Asian Highway Road Construction Delayed Due to Bitumen Shortage

Morang. Due to the lack of bitumen (asphalt) on the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi road section under the 'Asian Highway' project, which aims to connect Asian nations via road networks, the blacktopping has been delayed.

The delay in blacktopping is due to the lack of bitumen and the unavailability of quality bitumen, said Jagat Prajapati, chief of the Itahari office under the project. According to him, Indian bitumen, which was available for Rs 100 to Rs 110 per liter until two months ago, is now costing more than Rs 150 per liter. The Nepal Bitumen and Barrel Industry has stated that there is no shortage of bitumen, but the price has increased unexpectedly.

Chief Prajapati informed that about 40 percent of the work has been completed in the 30 months since the construction began. He said that concrete-related work is progressing rapidly despite the bitumen shortage. Currently, the construction of structures such as overpasses, underpasses, base, sub-base, and drains is underway at a rapid pace.

According to Chief Prajapati, only 95.76 km of the Kakarbhitta to west section under Asian Highway No. 2 has been contracted and is under construction. "The work is being carried out in two parts, eastern and western sections. The work will gain momentum if construction materials are readily available," he said.

Chief Prajapati informed that upon completion of the Asian Highway, it will connect from Bangkok, Thailand, through Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, entering Nepal from Kakarbhitta, and then via the East-West Highway to Delhi, India, and onwards to Karachi, Pakistan. The road construction began on January 2, 2024 (Magh 19, 2080 BS) with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank, with a plan to complete the construction in three years.