Work has commenced on upgrading the Butwal-Gorusinghe segment of Nepal’s East-West Highway, with special attention given to wildlife conservation and pedestrian safety—features rarely seen in the country’s road projects.
The 50-kilometer stretch will be widened to four to six lanes, incorporating sustainable design elements. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli virtually inaugurated the project on January 24, while construction on bridges in Butwal and Kapilvastu is already in progress.
Key Features of the Upgraded Highway
- Wildlife Crossings: Three dedicated animal passes and 19 additional crossing points to reduce accidents in forested zones.
- Pedestrian Safety: 11 overpasses and 12 underpasses for foot traffic, along with six vehicle crossings.
- Urban Traffic Solutions: Five underpasses in Rupandehi and one in Kapilvastu to ease congestion.
Kushalata Neupane, chief engineer of the project, emphasized that the design prioritizes ecological balance, especially since the route cuts through forests in Rupandehi and Kapilvastu, where wildlife collisions are frequent.
Project Implementation & Funding
The upgrade is split into two sections:
Butwal-Kothinadi (Rs 7.89 billion)
Kothinadi-Gorusinghe (Rs 5.66 billion)
A joint venture between China’s Shaanxi Construction Company and Nepal’s Ashish Construction Service secured the Rs 13.55 billion contract, with a three-year completion deadline. The World Bank is providing financial support through a loan.
Road Design & Environmental Considerations
- Forested Areas (20 km): 24-meter-wide four-lane road (no service lanes).
- Semi-Urban Zones: 37-meter width.
- Urban Areas: 50-meter width.
To minimize disruption, construction will proceed one side at a time, following directives from Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, who drew lessons from the Narayanghat-Butwal expansion.
Environmental Mitigation Efforts
- 7,175 trees will be removed for construction.
- 71,250 saplings will be planted to offset ecological impact.
- This marks the first major upgrade of the highway since its original construction 62 years ago under King Mahendra’s reign.
Key Takeaways:
- Wildlife-friendly design with 22 crossing points.
- Pedestrian overpasses & urban underpasses for smoother traffic.
- Three-year timeline, funded by World Bank.
- Eco-conscious approach with large-scale tree replanting.
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