Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The reconstruction of various sections of the BP Highway, which were damaged by landslides and floods in the last week of September last year, is estimated to cost approximately Rs 9.66 billion.
A post-flood assessment revealed that significant funds would be required for the reconstruction, according to the Division Road Office, Bhaktapur.
The 12-kilometer stretch from Chaukidanda in Namobuddha Municipality to Kaldhunga in Roshi Rural Municipality of Kavre has sustained significant damages, with 8 kilometers completely destroyed.
Senior Divisional Engineer Suman Yogesh said they would need to build three types of retaining walls: RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete), plum concrete and gabion walls. “Although the study has suggested constructing bridges in some areas, a final decision on whether to build bridges or walls will be made after further discussions,” he added.
As per the assessment, RCC walls would be needed in areas prone to flooding, while plum concrete and gabion walls would be constructed in other sections. However, the reconstruction process is currently on hold due to a lack of arrangement of financial resources.
“We are awaiting confirmation of funds from donor agencies and the government. Once the budget is secured, we will initiate the tender process,” Yogesh said.
In mid-November, a team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a study of the damaged sections. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a discussion on the reconstruction of the highway with the Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Kikuta Yutaka, on October 16. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) has already requested assistance from JICA for the reconstruction works.
Keshav Kumar Sharma, secrtary at the MoPIT, said they were preparing to request the government for funds from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority for the reconstruction works. Likewise, the ministry aims to start reconstruction by mid-March by availing concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Yogesh said it would be difficult to keep the highway operational during the rainy season if reconstruction works do not begin immediately.
While the highway resumed operation two weeks after the floods, the risk of dry landslides has led police to impose a ban on vehicular traffic from 6 in the evening to 4 am. The highway is a vital road connecting Kathmandu to mid-hills and eastern Nepal.
Constructed with a grant from the Japanese government, the 160-kilometer BP Highway was initiated in the fiscal year 1996/97 and formally handed over to the government in 2015.
(Translated from RSS)
