Construction of Fast-track is test of country’s leadership – DPM Pokharel

Kathmandu / Sept 18: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwar Pokharel has stressed on the need of carrying out works regarding the construction of the Kathmandu-Tarai Madhesh Fast-track within the deadline, describing this project as the bedrock of the country’s development.

Speaking at a programme organized at Lendanda of Makwanpur district after inspecting the Fast-track and its progress on Tuesday, he said the fast-track project was a test for not only the Nepalese Army but also the entire leadership of the country.

DPM Pokharel directed the bodies concerned to complete the project within four years. The fast-track is the shortest highway connecting Kathmandu Valley to the Tarai national road network. It is 76 kilometers and is a national pride project being constructed under the management of Nepali Army.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 111 billion as per the National Planning Commission.

‘The initiatives and cooperation of all sides are necessary for fulfilling the responsibility within the deadline. Carry out the works on the project with utmost seriousness and demonstrating the capability as the Fast-track Project is a national commitment and the lifeline,’ the Defence Minister said.

The Nepalese Army has stated that they are in the process of selecting the consultant for preparing the detailed project report of the Fast-track and the DPR would be available in the next four months. The consultant has got approval to prepare the DPR for Rs 90 million. This amount is less by Rs 510 million than demanded by the Indian company before this.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghuveer Mahaseth directed for the construction of the fast-track with due seriousness as this project was being closely watched not only by the Nepali people but also by the international community.

Defence Ministry Secretary Bishnu Prasad Lamsal suggested carrying out works on the fast-track project fast without any delay taking it as an opportunity to create history for the country’s economic development.

The Army has set up camps at Makhkhubensi, Kulekhani, Leddanda, Budune and Nijgadh. It has been carrying out expanding the track and earthwork at these places.

Prime Minister’s chief political advisor Bishnu Rimal, Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa, high ranking officials from the Defence Ministry and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, experts on tunnel highway engineering and high-ranking army officers were in the inspection team.

The fast-track would be 27 meters wide. Land within the range of 50 meters on both sides of the road has been acquired for the fast track. RSS