KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has directed the authorities concerned to move forward with an alternative plan, keeping in mind the dispute over Khokana, the departure point of the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes fast track.

In regards to the concerns raised by the local community about the impact on religious and cultural heritage in Khokana, Lalitpur, Prime Minister Karki suggested moving forward with an alternative plan during a discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Karki had also inspected the under-construction fast track. During that visit, she had said that the concerns of the locals should be taken seriously while carrying out development and construction work.

She also said that even if the starting point is changed this national pride project should be completed at the earliest.

Today, Prime Minister Karki invited Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Law Minister Anil Kumar Sinha, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Madhav Chaulagain, National Planning Commission Vice Chair Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Nepal Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and officials related to the fast track project and secretaries of the concerned ministries for a discussion.

On the occasion, a briefing was held on behalf of the Nepal Army on the progress made in the project so far, problems, and expectations from the government.

“There should be no unnecessary delay in development work. Disputes should be resolved as much as possible. We should find alternatives and move forward,” Prime Minister Karki said.