KATHMANDU: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, who also oversees two other ministries, inspected the BP Highway on Wednesday (Nawami day) to assess vehicle movement and the reconstruction of damaged road sections.

The inspection, accompanied by the Director General of the Department of Roads and project officials, focused on travel difficulties faced by passengers during the festive season, traffic management, and the progress of road reconstruction after last year’s floods severely damaged the highway.

The 160-km-long BP Highway, which links the federal capital to the eastern region, was originally built with Japanese government grant assistance.

Last year’s floods damaged 30.5 kilometers of the road.

The current intermediate lane sections will now be rebuilt as two-lane stretches in the damaged portions.

Minister Ghising directed concerned authorities to expedite reconstruction work and maintain effective traffic management so travelers do not suffer during the festivals.

He noted that contracts had already been signed for reconstruction of 25 km of the damaged road, while JICA will rebuild the remaining section through grant aid.

“The Nepal government has already tendered its share of work, and the 2.5-km stretch to be built with JICA’s support is in the process of tendering. After Dashain-Tihar, construction will move ahead rapidly. We are coordinating on all fronts to restore the highway to its original state as soon as possible,” Ghising said.

He added that equipment and manpower had been kept ready to prevent traffic jams when large numbers of vehicles return to Kathmandu after the Dashain festival.

He also urged travelers to remain cautious, noting that heavy rainfall has been forecast for October 3–5, posing risks on the BP Highway, Narayanghat–Muglin, and Narayanghat–Butwal road sections.

“I request all drivers to remain alert, drive carefully, and passengers not to rush—travel only after obtaining necessary information,” he appealed.