Infrastructure Secretary Directs Timely Completion of BP Highway Reconstruction Work

The reconstruction of the BP Highway, damaged by floods, is progressing rapidly with the support of the Japanese government and investment from Nepal. Japan has agreed to provide a grant of 280 crore yen, while the Government of Nepal is investing 850 crore rupees. Infrastructure Development Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel, while monitoring the reconstruction sites, has instructed contractors to complete the work within the scheduled timeframe.

The BP Highway, devastated by floods eight months ago, is witnessing swift reconstruction efforts. The reconstruction project gained momentum following the foundation stone ceremony held two days ago by Infrastructure Development Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel and Japan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Maeda Toru. The road reconstruction is being carried out with Japanese assistance.

The work covers a 30-kilometer road segment damaged by last year’s floods and landslides. With financial and technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and investment from the Government of Nepal, the highway is being upgraded and rebuilt. An agreement has been reached with Shimizu Corporation to construct 3.2 kilometers of the Piple–Barkhekhola section, funded by the 280 crore yen Japanese government grant, while the Nepal government has secured 850 crore rupees to develop the remaining three sections.

In addition to reconstruction, the highway will be upgraded to a two-lane road. Five bridges along the route will also be converted to two lanes. To prevent future flood damage, work is progressing rapidly on RCC retaining walls, plump walls, and road widening. The project aims to complete asphalt paving by next year, making the BP Highway safer and more organized than before. Originally started with Japanese assistance in 1996 (2053 BS), the highway was handed over to the Government of Nepal in 2015 (2072 BS).