Rs 11 billion Chinese grant secured for second phase of Ring Road expansion

KATHMANDU: The Chinese government is providing a grant of around Rs 11 billion to implement the second phase of the Ring Road Expansion Project.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development Sunil Lamsal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming signed the agreement to this end on Wednesday.

The second phase will cover the construction of an 8.2-kilometre stretch from Kalanki to Basundhara. A concrete bridge at Dhungedhara and three disability-friendly pedestrian bridges at Sitapaila, Balaju and Basundhara will also be built on the section.

The first phase of the project, from Koteshwar to Kalanki, was completed in 2019, also with Chinese investment.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Lamsal said the government has prioritized north-south connectivity. “Any issues arising during Ring Road expansion would be resolved within a day,” he added.

Likewise, Ambassador Zhang said a favorable investment in Nepal would encourage more Chinese investment.

The Ring Road (27 km) was built in the 1970s with Chinese assistance. It encircles the core areas of Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts by connecting major intersections in Kathmandu Valley like Kalanki, Maharajgunj, Chabahil, Koteshwar, Satdobato and Balkhu.