KATHMANDU, Aug 21: Nagendra Panjiyar from Birgunj Metropolitan City-32 is waiting for the shortest route to reach Kathmandu. While he currently uses the Dakshinkali–Pharping shortcut, his dream is to travel via the even shorter Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Fast Track (KTMFT), which remains unfulfilled.
Panjiyar’s dream began when then–Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal laid the foundation stone of the expressway on May 28, 2017. It is now moving closer to realization, with his long-awaited dream expected to be fulfilled soon, following the interest shown in the project by PM KP Sharma Oli.
The government has budgeted for the KTMFT to be completed by 2027. For the current fiscal year (FY), Rs 2.449 billion has been allocated, which is Rs 195 million more than in the previous FY.
PM Oli has repeatedly expressed interest in accelerating the construction of this route. Shortly after assuming office, he inspected the expressway, being built by the Nepal Army, in August 2024, accompanied by technical experts and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel. In June, he also met with residents and representatives in Lalitpur’s Khokana and Bungamati to discuss disputes at the starting point of the road and possible solutions.
On February 5, he held discussions at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) with Deputy PM and Finance Minister Paudel, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Devendra Dahal, Defense Minister Manbir Rai, his economic advisor Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, and other officials regarding project progress and dispute resolution. Oli has regularly directed stakeholders to resolve issues promptly.
In January, President Ram Chandra Poudel also inspected the expressway. During his visit, he instructed army officials to carry out the work with high morale and complete the project within the scheduled timeframe. “Both the President and the PM have shown great interest in this road,” says Panjiyar. “Since the country’s top leaders are so invested in the project, we hope it will be completed soon.”
Even with this optimism, it is still uncertain whether the work will finish on schedule. Problems at the starting point have prevented the project from progressing at the expected pace.
Currently, the expressway’s physical progress stands at 42.12 percent, while its financial progress is 44 percent. Construction is underway on seven out of 13 tunnels. The total tunnel length will be 10.79 km, including Mahadev Jharna, Bhed, Lele, Chandragiri, Baishakhi, Sitaldara, and Mauri Bhir.
About 68 percent of the 3,236-meter Mahadev Jharna tunnel and 61 percent of the 3,232-meter right tunnel have been completed. Breakthroughs have been achieved in the Bhed, Lele, and other tunnels, while portal construction is ongoing at Sitaldara and Mauri Bhir.
Of the 85 planned bridges, 76 contracts have been awarded. Foundation work has been completed for 15 bridges, substructure work for 26, and superstructure work for another 26. Additionally, 3.3 km of sub-base and 1 km of asphalt road have been constructed. Slope protection, box culverts, optical fiber ducts, electrification, and other auxiliary structures are in progress. Animal underpasses, toll plazas, and interchanges have also been initiated.
Initially, the project was estimated to cost Rs 7.5 billion, but after the Detailed Project Report (DPR) approval in 2019, the cost rose to Rs 21.1 billion. So far, Rs 7.797 billion has been spent, accounting for 44 percent of the total cost, with current progress at 42 percent.
If the initial disputes had been resolved earlier, progress would have been faster. Locals in Khokana opposed the KTMFT due to concerns that it would destroy ethnic and cultural heritage and displace their village. “Locals fear that the fast track will disrupt their culture and lifestyle,” says Ward Chair Rabindra Maharjan of Lalitpur Metropolitan City-21. “We are not against development, but the government must address local concerns.”
Other government projects, including high-tension lines, a smart city, the outer ring road, and railways, also pass through the same area, increasing local apprehension. “The government must communicate its plans,” Maharjan adds. “If local demands are addressed, there won’t be problems.” He suggests that the government proceed with development while respecting the civilization and cultural heritage of the ancient city and winning local support.
The Indigenous Nationalities Commission (INC) submitted a study report in June recommending that the starting point of the KTMFT be shifted to Dukuchhap, Godawari Municipality-8, Lalitpur, instead of Khokana. INC Chair Ram Bahadur Thapamagar handed the report to PM Oli.
The report states that the project’s starting point is currently set at Phudol in Khokana, LMC-21, and warns that this poses a risk of displacement for the indigenous Newar community.
The Human Rights and International Treaties Division of the OPMCM had requested the commission to submit a recommendation report. The report notes that since the Khokana area holds significant religious and cultural heritage for the Newar community, it would be appropriate to relocate the starting point to Dukuchhap.
The report also recommended that the government obtain prior informed consent from local communities before implementing such projects. During a meeting with PM Oli in June, residents suggested shifting the starting point about 5.5 km downstream to Dukuchhap to preserve traditional culture and customs.
During discussions, PM Oli clarified that the government does not intend to develop in a way that harms residents and said he would personally visit the site again before making a decision to resolve the dispute.
Former Khokana VDC Chair Madan Krishna Dangol, UML Lalitpur Metropolitan Committee Chair Gyanendra Shakya, and Local Stakeholders Committee Coordinator Nepal Dangol suggested various options to resolve the issue.
The project authority has stated that no significant impact will occur to Khokana’s Sikali Temple or other heritage sites, as the KTMFT alignment has been adjusted. Any remaining issues will also be resolved through mutual agreement.
The Ministry of Defense is actively working to resolve the starting point dispute. “Discussions with residents are ongoing, and various alternatives have been raised,” said Ministry spokesperson Manoj Kumar Acharya. “We are confident the problems will be resolved soon.”
The KTMFT is a “National Pride Project.” Once completed, travel from Kathmandu to Terai districts—Bara, Parsa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Mahottari, Siraha, and Dhanusha—will take roughly 1.25 hours. The KTMFT will also allow the Terai region, a leading agricultural producer, to make Kathmandu its main market, facilitating the transport of vegetables, fruits, and grains.
“This road will not only shorten our travel distance but also reduce economic burdens,” Panjiyar says. “Once the road is built, my daughter, currently in grade 9, will be able to reach Kathmandu for higher studies via the shortcut.”