JHAPA: The expansion and upgrading of the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi road, part of the East-West Highway is progressing significantly. The project is supported by Rs 46 billion loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The project encompasses a total length of 95 kilometers, divided into two sections: the eastern section, which spans 45 kilometers from Kakarbhita to Sitapuri in Jhapa, and the western section, covering 50 kilometers from Sitapuri to Labipur in Sunsari.

Current reports indicate that the physical progress of the first package (Kakarbhitta-Sitapuri) has reached 47 percent, while the second package (Sitapuri-Gothgaon) is at 42 percent, and the third package (Gothgaon-Labipur) is at 19 percent.

Sunil Babu Pant, the Head of the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi Road Plan for the eastern section, noted that the initial phase of blacktopping has been completed over 16.5 kilometers.

The construction team aims to blacktop between 400 to 800 meters daily, with a target of approximately seven kilometers per week, contingent on favorable weather conditions.

Plans are in place to blacktop an additional 15 kilometers by October, as sufficient bitumen is available. Despite some delays caused by the rainy season, construction has continued.

The project, which commenced in January 2024, is scheduled for completion by 1 February, 2027, with simultaneous expansion work on both sides of the road, including the installation of a three-meter wide divider.