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Sudan Gurung, Nepal's youngest Home Minister, was appointed on March 27 and has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about figures in the country. He is also the founder of the organization Hami Nepal. His appointment to the Home Ministry came as a surprise to many observers.

Since taking office, he has worked efficiently toward his stated goals and made decisions that have captured public attention. On his very first day after taking the oath, he ordered the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, a move that is rare in political history anywhere in the world.

The arrests were made over their alleged role in the deaths of dozens of people during the GenZ protests that toppled the government in September last year. The move has been widely praised by those who view it as a strong stance on accountability.

Gurung also personally visited Nepal Police Headquarters, where he directed officers to adopt a policy of zero tolerance against corruption and irregularities, stating that no one involved would be spared. Following this, several arrests were made in connection with money laundering cases. He has since been seen visiting police offices, meeting victims, and closely monitoring law enforcement operations. He has also reinforced a no-VIP-treatment policy on the road system.

His work has drawn comparisons to Anil Kapoor’s character in the Bollywood film Nayak. However, his positive attitude and unconventional approach have sparked debate. On social media, he faced criticism over older photos from when he was a DJ. More recently, his frequent unusual posts—sometimes consisting of numbers only, possibly representing arrest figures—have added to the conversation.

According to Hemanta Malla Thakuri, former Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police, “Maturity is essential for someone holding a position like this. While the actions he has been taking may appear proactive, many of these tasks are actually the responsibility of the police, not the minister. Traffic management, for example, is not a minister's role—it requires trained traffic police personnel. When a minister steps into such operational duties, it does not necessarily send a positive message to the public.”

Abhinash Nagaju,26, from Bhaktapur said, “Based on his recent actions, I would say he's doing a good job. But at the same time, I feel a bit unsure. While his work appears positive, it sometimes feels like it might be staged, done more for show than substance.” He added that Gurung's social media posts are a good idea, as long as the information shared is not sensitive or related to national security. “It helps people like us understand what's actually going on,” he said. “I think he's trying to win public trust for now, and perhaps he’ll gradually evolve and raise his level as he goes.”

Sushila Hada from Suryabinayak said Gurung has been doing well, but the real challenge is whether he can sustain it. “He is still in a learning phase, and it seems like he is learning and working at the same time.” On his social media presence, she noted that while updates are not always consistent, he must now be more cautious than ever as a public figure. “His platforms can become a source of truth not just for the Nepali public, but also for international media and observers.” She added that there is no fixed rulebook for how a Home Minister should conduct himself, so he should follow his own moral compass while staying within proper boundaries and not being overly influenced by others.

A woman who did not wish to be named offered a similar perspective: “He doesn’t need to rush or try to do everything at once. He should take a moment to breathe. It feels like he’s acting out of excitement right now, which is understandable. But if he continues at this pace, there may come a point where, if he slows down or fails to deliver something significant, he could end up facing criticism or controversy.”

Spokesperson at the Armed Police Force of Nepal, Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, expressed optimism: “We have a lot of hope in our new Home Minister. He is very action-oriented, and we truly appreciate his efforts. He has past experience working with national organizations and has been helpful in the past.” Bhatta added that while Gurung demonstrates strong teamwork, working without coordination could hamper his effectiveness. “He has been actively involved in conducting training and programs with the team, and has urged us to be prepared for future challenges and rescue operations. Overall, he is expected to address our problems and find effective solutions.”

Divya Shrestha, 21, described Gurung as a confident and outspoken political figure who makes a visible effort to stay connected with the public. “On social media, his bold and engaging presence helps him connect with supporters, though his tone can occasionally feel overly informal for someone in such a senior role. He shows clear promise, but a more measured, disciplined, and professional approach will be important as he grows into the responsibilities of the position.”

Shiva Tamang, 25, from Swayambhu echoed similar thoughts: “His actions reflect practical, ground-level engagement, though questions sometimes arise around consistency and long-term vision. His communication is bold and direct, but can occasionally come across as emotional or confrontational. For a role as significant as Home Minister, a higher degree of professionalism, discipline, and balanced communication is essential. He has clear potential, but a more refined and consistent approach will be crucial as he settles into this responsibility.”

Ayush Basnet from Nala offered a measured take: “Gurung is a capable politician, though he appears to lack experience at this stage. His actions come across as very straightforward, sometimes in ways we haven’t been accustomed to seeing. It also feels like he may be signaling intentions ahead of bigger moves. For now, his style of working is gradually making me more appreciative of his approach.”

Amid his recent activities, Gurung was also linked to a controversy over land he leased near Phewa Lake in Pokhara for an adventure tourism project worth Rs 15–20m. The work was halted after authorities identified the site within a restricted 65-metre buffer zone, with conflicting claims emerging between Gurung and the landowner.

He held a meeting with Swiss Ambassador Danielle Meuwly, requesting Switzerland’s cooperation in investigating whether illicit funds from Nepal have been deposited in Swiss banks. He also conducted an on-site inspection of flood-prone areas along the Roshi River in Kavrepalanchok, assessing risks to settlements and infrastructure and directing authorities to strengthen preparedness and coordination ahead of the monsoon season.

Gurung's first two weeks in office have been marked by bold decisions, high visibility, and an unconventional style that has quickly set him apart. While many praise his energy, accountability-driven actions, and direct engagement with the public, others raise concerns about consistency, experience, and the need for a more measured approach.

As he navigates the responsibilities of one of the country’s most critical ministries, Gurung stands at a defining moment, where sustaining momentum, refining his leadership style, and balancing action with strategy will determine whether his early promise translates into lasting impact.

Veteran Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle has passed away at the age of 92 following cardiac and respiratory complications. 

She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in critical condition on Saturday and was in the ICU before her death.

Her son Anand Bhosle confirmed the news on Sunday, with last rites scheduled for the following day, Hindustan Times wrote.

One of the most iconic voices in Indian music, Asha’s career spanned decades, making her one of the most prolific singers in Hindi cinema. She was often compared to Lata Mangeshkar and carved her own legacy with versatility across genres.

A seven-time Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer winner, she also received two National Film Awards for songs like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” from Umrao Jaan and “Mera Kuch Saamaan” from Ijaazat.

Born in 1933, she began singing at a young age and rose to prominence in the 1950s, remaining a dominant figure in the music industry for decades in India. Her contributions to Indian music have left an enduring legacy.

CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has criticized the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, calling it an act of political revenge and prejudice.

In a social media post, Basnet criticized the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, particularly the appointment of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, describing it as controversial and inexperienced.

Calling for action, Basnet urged party members and supporters to participate in demonstrations to safeguard democratic values and oppose what he described as “revenge politics.” He added that further details of the protest program would be announced following a party secretariat meeting scheduled for the morning.

Once a voice of protest through music, Balendra Shah aka ‘Balen’ is now at the center of Nepal’s political future—carrying both the hopes of a generation and the weight of rising expectations.

Shah has built an identity as an engineer, rapper, mayor and now the most preferred prime minister. Over the years, his music has resonated with the people, blending artistic expression with a clear sense of social direction. 

Through his songs, Shah questioned those in power, provoked thought, and sparked public conversation. His engineering background, meanwhile, translated into tangible work, helping rebuild earthquake-resilient homes and contributing to urban infrastructure projects. His political journey has since reinforced a simple but powerful argument: willingness to act is what politics most desperately needs. 

Most of his songs map social and political grievances onto a larger call for change, which resonates deeply among his followers. Farbin Napit, 21 says he has been a fan of Shah since grade seven. 

“Personally, I believe he was influenced by politics even before he became mayor, and I think he will do great—if not the best—for our country’s development and for raising Nepal’s profile on the world stage.”
Shah’s discography tells its own history. Sadak Balak, released 13 years ago, follows a homeless teenage boy without access to education—a portrait of Nepal’s street children struggling for survival.

Prahari—also released 13 years ago, is about the controversial moment when police cut people’s hair on the pretext of preventing crime, an action that triggered student protests in 2070 BS.

Other notable tracks include Aam Nepali Buwa, Tathya, Nepal Haseko, Balidan, Savage, Sabailai Hataar Cha, and Local Thito. A common thread runs through all of them: political awareness and a deep connection to social issues. At a 2014 rap battle with Little Grizl, Shah declared, “History is meant to be changed. Balen has not come yet!”  In hindsight, it reads less like a boast and more like a prophecy.

Those who have followed Shah reflect that sense of inevitability. Aayushi Shakya, 22 says she admires him because he is the first well-educated, well-known person to approach politics in this way.

“I started following him from his song Nepal Haseko. It was quite touching as a growing youth. I see him as a literate, self-confident person who truly believes he can change the nation. I also believe he will perform better than previous leaders.”

Samira Kiju, 20, says Shah is different from traditional politicians, which is refreshing. “I started following him more seriously around the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral election. Before that, I knew him mainly as a rapper, but his entry into politics made me pay closer attention.” She notes that Shah’s foray into politics never felt unconventional.

“He talked about social issues, corruption, and frustrations of youth through his music. So his political journey didn’t feel sudden. He always had political awareness—his journey into office made it official.”

Rajiv Maharjan, 20, has followed Shah since his mayoral campaign in Kathmandu. “As a person, I find him visionary, bold, and action-oriented. His rap showed social awareness; his political journey feels like a natural extension of that voice.” Rajiv is cautiously optimistic about Shah’s prime ministerial journey. “He has strong potential, but long-term results will matter most.” 

Krishal Maharjan, 19, echoes that admiration. Like others, he discovered Shah through music and thinks his political instincts were present long before he ran for mayor. 

A relative who knows Shah closely offered a more personal portrait. “He has a sharp memory and remembers people for a long time. He is very data-driven and tends to analyze things with a positive perspective.” The relative also pushed back against one common perception:“Some people think he is hard to approach, but he is actually open to those who reach out. He has clear plans and executes them smoothly. He speaks less, but when he does, his words are impactful.”

Political scientist Chandra Dev Bhatta says that public expectations from Shah are exceptionally high. “People are hopeful that Balen Shah will do his best for the nation. There is a strong sense of trust and optimism surrounding him.” He highlighted Shah’s working style as a defining characteristic. “Unlike many traditional political figures who tended to talk more and work less, Balen believes in working more and speaking less.”

On the question of political experience, Bhatta says while Shah may not have decades of political exposure, he has already proven himself as the mayor of Kathmandu. “He may not have long-term experience, but he has already proven himself through his work. “As an independent mayoral candidate, he not only won the election but also performed effectively.” 

Bhatta adds experience alone has never been a guarantee of a competent leader. “Willingness and intent matter as much as experience. Previous leaders may have had 50–60 years of experience, but that alone did not produce results. Shah’s commitment to change and his focus on action could be more impactful than rhetoric.”

Bhatta is also aware of the challenges that lie ahead for Shah after he has been sworn-in as the prime minister. Meeting high public expectations, ensuring good governance, managing fractious political landscape, and navigating complex geopolitical relationships will test whether Shah can prove his mettle at the national stage. 

Shreya Shrestha from ApEx had a conversation with Narayan Man Bijukchhe, president of NMKP, about the party’s performance in Bhaktapur-1. Excerpts:

For so many years, NMKP has been winning in Bhaktapur-1, why do you think the RSP won this time?

NMKP is a national and international party in principle and ideology. That is why NMKP has entered the elections not only in Bhaktapur-1 but also throughout the country. This time too, we fielded candidates from east to west and north to south across the country. During that time, new and old friends from Bhaktapur went to the districts. And this move indirectly benefited the RSP in Bhaktapur-1.

Do you think the people of the current generation are a bit disconnected from NMKP?

According to the Election Commission’s code of conduct, we did not put the young new generation forward in the elections. But other parties used new propaganda tools to influence the new generation and put mental pressure on the parents, which the Election Commission could not assess. It was reported that parents were being threatened and told, “If you do not vote on the symbol we have given, we will not send money home, we will not return home or we will not live in the country,” and there was a lot of crying in the houses. Such activities were definitely a form of threats and mental torture, which the Election Commission could not have anticipated in advance.

What do you think the new party will do now? Do you have faith in them?

Even if they are dedicated to serving the country and the people, no matter how much they succeed in the election, if they do not commit to working according to the parliamentary system, there will be many things to complain about. In the dissolved parliament, old and new MPs committed many immoral acts and corruption scandals. In the past, people have likened MPs to monkeys and miscreants. This is the country, this is the society, if the new MPs do not learn parliamentary behavior, there will be fights and corruption scandals like before.

There is also a claim that older parties were very confident in this election. Your thoughts? 

This is not true, but this time we are feeling satisfied that our cadres have honestly taken the trouble to cooperate and study the reasons behind our setback in various districts. It is said that a soldier who loses a war knows how to fight better. Our new generation also got the opportunity to understand Nepal not only spiritually but also physically.

Has the party learned anything from this defeat or gained experience?

Certainly, NCP workers understood the shortcomings of the government and the Election Commission and directly experienced that the current government is still under the influence of the US and India and that the Indian propaganda machine has interfered in Nepal's democratic activities. The entry of foreign journalists and photographers into the counting centers and the presence of US troops in some districts can give an indication of the direction of Nepal’s foreign policy.

Will the RSP be able to fulfil the agenda it has set for five years?

Their activities will determine whether they manage to fulfil the agendas within the given timeframe.  

Do you think people ignored whatever work your party did in the past?

Our country has been practicing democracy for just a few years, while Western countries have been practicing it for 400-500 years. Also, our country was a semi-colony of Britain for about 200 years and for about 70 years it was struggling under the shadow of Indian monopoly capital. In such an environment, the parties are not accustomed to standing on their own two feet and focusing on self-reliance. Every subject is a learning process and we believe that the Nepali people will learn relevant lessons soon.

March 5 marked a historic shift in Nepali politics, as voters of all ages—from Gen Z to older citizens—signaled a clear desire for change. The election results made this evident, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) securing a stunning victory. Just two seats short of a two-thirds majority, the RSP swept through the so-called strongholds of traditional parties with remarkable ease.

Bhaktapur-1, which includes Changunarayan and Bhaktapur municipalities, was one such constituency. For more than a decade, the Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party (NMKP) had been the dominant political force there. But in the March 5 election, voters delivered a shock to NMKP candidate Prem Suwal by electing RSP’s Rukesh Ranjit. Suwal received 28,147 votes against Ranjit’s 33,436.

Ranjit has a long history of involvement in politics and social service. He began his political journey during his college days as a member of the CPN-UML-aligned All Nepal National Free Student Union and became active in the RSP only two years ago.

Krishnabuddha Ranjitkar, a 78-year-old voter from Bhaktapur-1, says people voted for Ranjit because they wanted to give someone new a chance—someone who could bring positive change to the constituency and its residents. “I hope the new leader will bring more improvements to this city.” 

Nhachetuko Suwal, another voter from the constituency, says he expected the RSP to defeat the NMKP this time. “People wanted change. They felt it was time to give a new party a chance.”

The 73-year-old adds that although many older voters preferred the NMKP to continue in Bhaktapur-1, the election ultimately tilted in favor of the RSP largely because of younger voters.

“Families whose children and grandchildren are abroad also voted for the RSP. They wanted change, and they got it.”

One voter, who requested anonymity, says the popularity of the RSP and its prime ministerial candidate, Balendra Shah, played a crucial role in the election. “Many voters didn’t even know who the RSP candidate was. We hardly saw any election rallies, and yet the party managed to win.”

According to him, many adult voters cast their ballots for the RSP at the suggestion of their children and grandchildren, who had grown disillusioned with traditional parties, particularly after the deadly Gen Z protests last September.

Ranjit attributes his victory to voters’ desire for change. “Many voters, particularly those in Changunarayan Municipality, felt ignored by their previous representatives,” he says. “They believed that NMKP leaders were mostly focused on Bhaktapur city. I was able to convert their dissatisfaction into votes.”

Many RSP supporters share a similar view. While they acknowledge the NMKP’s contributions to heritage conservation and tourism in Bhaktapur’s old city, they say the party paid less attention to other pressing issues across the constituency, such as water supply.

Ranjit echoes this sentiment. “While the work carried out by the NMKP in the fields of heritage conservation and tourism is praiseworthy, the party did little to address the concerns of people in other areas.”

Suraj Ranjitkar, a local Nepali Congress leader, admits that traditional parties failed to read the voters’ mood not only in Bhaktapur-1 but across much of the country.

“Older parties were overconfident because they were used to winning elections in their strongholds. They were not aware of the growing disconnect between them and the people.”

The hype surrounding the RSP and its strong social media presence also influenced many voters, especially younger ones.

Twenty-year-old Shristi Prajapati says she is pleased to see young and educated people entering politics through the RSP. However, she also expresses concern that some candidates may have won largely because of their social media popularity. She believes candidates such as NMKP’s Prem Suwal in Bhaktapur-1 and Kulman Ghising of the Ujyaalo Nepal Party, who contested from Kathmandu-3, deserved to win.

“Social media clearly influenced many voters, who cast their ballots without fully knowing the candidates,” she says. “I just hope the newly elected young and educated representatives work together to bring positive change across Nepal.”

The RSP’s surge reflects a growing desire among young voters for alternative politics and tech-savvy communication. While the NMKP has a strong legacy in education and health, many younger voters felt it was not keeping pace with modern economic pressures such as jobs and digital opportunities.

“I hope for transparency, digital-first governance, and opportunities for local entrepreneurship under the RSP government,” says 19-year-old Binisha Chitrakar. “I wasn’t expecting Ranjit to win given NMKP’s historical strength, but the social media campaign and the turnout of first-time voters made it possible. Voting is just the first step; true political awareness means holding leaders accountable for better roads, jobs, and governance.”

Seventeen-year-old Nilsan Koju says he had expected the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party to win because of what he described as the party’s contributions in Bhaktapur-1. However, he was surprised when the RSP candidate secured the victory.

“Many people were heavily influenced by social media,” Koju says. “They supported Shah and voted for the bell symbol of RSP without really knowing the candidate.”

According to him, social media played a major role in the election. “NMKP has also done many good things, but those achievements are rarely recognized online. Instead, a few negative issues are amplified, and people tend to focus only on those.”

Koju says he remains hopeful about the RSP, noting that people clearly want change.  

Following his electoral victory, Ranjit says he focused on setting realistic agendas that could be achieved during his tenure rather than making promises that could not be fulfilled within five years.

“Building stadiums and promoting sports is important, as they are ornaments of Nepal,” he says. “But I prioritized addressing the basic needs of Bhaktapurians first. Other issues can be managed gradually once the fundamentals are taken care of.”

Looking ahead, Ranjit has ambitious plans for Bhaktapur: establishing a university within five years, building a Bir Hospital-level facility to serve patients from all 77 districts, and creating employment opportunities for locals. He also wants to convert the industrial area into a “craft village,” reviving traditional cottage industries while relocating pollution-causing factories.

Ranjit envisions building an international-level exhibition and conference center in Sallaghari to boost economic activity and hopes to make Bhaktapur a destination where tourists stay overnight. He plans to involve locals directly through homestays, allowing residents to earn income from tourism.

Addressing concerns that his plans may be overly ambitious, Ranjit says, “Tourism and homestays don’t require huge investments—they can use existing infrastructure. Management is key. For these projects, I have already consulted with the proposed Prime Minister Shah regarding central funding.”

The March 5 election in Bhaktapur-1 ended decades of NMKP dominance, reflecting voters’ clear desire for change. While the party has a strong legacy in heritage conservation, education, and public services, many residents felt economic stagnation and limited opportunities for young people demanded new leadership.

Ranjit’s victory comes with high expectations: creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and preserving Bhaktapur’s cultural heritage. His ambitious plans will test his ability to balance innovation with tradition.
When asked to Prem Suwal about the situation and his thoughts on this, he refused to answer it this soon.

The election also sends a strong message across Nepal: no political stronghold is permanent, and leaders must continually earn the trust of the people.

Fifty-year-old Nirmala Suwal says NMKP has done many good things for Bhaktapur over the years, but this time voters wanted to give a new party a chance. “If we don’t see changes, people may choose differently in the next election.”

Yalena Yang Sun serves as the Director of SuperApp at inDrive, where she leads the strategic development and expansion of the company’s multi-service ecosystem. The inDrive SuperApp is designed as an integrated, all-in-one mobile platform that brings together a wide range of everyday services within a single application. Instead of switching between multiple apps for transportation, courier delivery, grocery orders, and financial services, users can conveniently access everything in one unified digital space. Shreya Shrestha of ApEx spoke with Yang Sun to gain deeper insights into the vision behind the SuperApp, its key features, future roadmap, and how inDrive plans to redefine digital convenience through its expanding range of services.

Which InDrive SuperApp features or services have shown the fastest adoption globally, and what lessons can markets like Nepal learn from those experiences?

What we try to avoid is a one-size-fits-all approach, launching the same set of services everywhere using a global template. Our ride-based business, which is the core of our operations, has always been localized to the context of each market. Similarly, as we expand services, we don’t follow a standard global playbook. Instead, we curate services based entirely on local needs and readiness, particularly when it comes to digital offerings. Timing is crucial as you introduce a service when people are ready to embrace it.

For example, in Nepal, shipping and food delivery are already well established, and people are adopting digital services quickly. Grocery delivery, however, is fairly new, and people are just getting used to it. So we need to understand the market and enter at the right moment. Adoption also depends on how we curate services. We focus on essential services first. Mobility was our starting point because it’s a fundamental daily need—people have to move around. Once that’s established, we expand into other essential services, like food and groceries. Meeting such basic needs ensures people have access to fair and reliable services. When these fundamentals are in place, adoption happens naturally.

How is inDrive ensuring seamless integration between different companies and services within a single app?

Partner selection is extremely important. We look for companies whose values align with ours, particularly in making essential services accessible and affordable. For example, we avoid premium-only services that cater to a small segment—that wouldn’t match our mission. We also look at their business models and founding teams to ensure alignment on vision and long-term goals.

On the technology side, we’ve built integration infrastructure from the ground up. We’ve already integrated a few companies in other markets and have standardized APIs and processes to make future integrations faster and smoother. This makes scaling more efficient and ensures that each service, no matter the partner, fits seamlessly into the ecosystem.

What challenges do companies typically face when building a superapp, and how is inDrive addressing them?

Simply bundling more services can actually create a burden on users—they have to scroll, click, and figure out what’s relevant. The original superapp concept years ago focused on offering everything together, but we realized that this can overwhelm people rather than help them.

inDrive SuperApp is designed to be simple, easy to navigate, and highly personalized. We use technology, including AI, to tailor the experience to each user’s needs. The app anticipates what the user is likely to need, reducing cognitive load and making the experience intuitive. Our goal is to create a smart ecosystem where users can access the services that truly matter to them without having to sift through everything else.

With increasing competition in the superapp, what differentiates inDrive approach from other global platforms?

We’re focusing on areas where we can make the most impact and benefit users’ daily lives. Food delivery remains a key focus, as it is growing rapidly and directly supports essential needs. Value-driven digital services, including support for local languages, are also crucial. Accessibility is important because if people can’t access the service, no matter how available it is, it won’t succeed.

Financial services have shown strong engagement and positive feedback from users. Providing access in a fair and inclusive way opens opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded from these services. We are also exploring tailored e-commerce options designed for emerging markets—not generic online marketplaces, but things like secondhand electronics or other affordable digital solutions. These services allow users to enjoy the benefits of digital convenience without high costs. Across all areas, our focus is consistent: services must meet real needs, be fair, and be adapted to the local context.

Looking ahead, what new innovations or services categories can users expect to see added in inDrive SuperApp in the near future?

Though the answer is unsure, it will be determined by the further need of the market because the local conditions might be different.  It will also be influenced by the right partnership in the future.  

At the moment, there are a few areas we’re particularly excited about. Food is one of them. We’ve seen tremendous growth in this vertical over the past few years, and last year, some markets already reached very high adoption rates. We plan to continue building on this momentum in other key markets because food delivery is a service that people can clearly benefit from on a daily basis.

Another is value-driven digital services. Accessibility is critical, and language support is a big part of that. For instance, some financial services are growing quickly and receiving positive feedback because they allow users to access essential tools in their local language—something that significantly lowers barriers to entry. Without it, many people would be excluded.

Overall, we are actively exploring these areas and ready to expand whenever the right opportunities arise. The focus will always remain on tailoring services to local needs and ensuring they are fair, accessible, and valuable for our users.

Dust, mud and frequent traffic congestion have made daily travel along the Suryabinayak–Sanga road section increasingly difficult for commuters. Rohit Shrestha, 26 was travelling with his grandmother in a scooter when the tire slipped and they fell in the muddy road at Sanga. He said that the road has been in a very poor state for some time, but he hopes to see it being constructed soon. In the same way, local shopkeepers say dust has affected business and have caused health issues too due to dust, while commuters complain about traffic jams during peak hours.

Ranjana Siwakoti, a regular public bus commuter, says the ongoing road construction has made daily travel exhausting. She said it now takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach Suryabinayak from Jagati—a short stretch that previously required far less time. According to her, traffic congestion, dusty conditions and uneven road surfaces have made the journey increasingly difficult for passengers.

These commuting challenges are largely due to the ongoing expansion of the 16-kilometer Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel section of the Araniko Highway, which began in January 2023. The project aims to widen the road into six lanes and has been divided into two sections—Suryabinayak–Sanga and Sanga–Dhulikhel. Progress in the Sanga–Dhulikhel stretch has been faster compared to the Suryabinayak–Sanga section.

Engineers say delays in the Suryabinayak–Sanga section were mainly due to house demolitions, relocation of utilities, intersection management and the dismantling of structures built against road setback rules.

Officials explained that a provision requiring space to be left while constructing houses was introduced in 1975 during the construction of the Araniko Highway. Houses built without following the protocol had to be removed, and since many were on private property, coordination with owners and authorities took additional time. Some structures still remain, requiring further coordination at different government levels. Authorities, however, say the project can meet its deadline if work continues at the current pace and resources are mobilized smoothly.

Currently, in the Suryabinayak–Sanga section, one lane is being layered with Cement Treated Base, which will be followed by a crack relief layer, Dense Bituminous Macadam and finally asphalt. According to Pradeep Tamang, engineer at the Department of Roads, work on the left lane has also been started from Suryabinayak. He added that currently, the project employs 110 human resources.

Tamang said there had been some budget-related issues in the past, but authorities are now providing additional funds. Rs 60m had been allocated for the current fiscal year, which was considered insufficient. The project has now requested an additional Rs 4bn to continue the work smoothly. He expressed hope that similar financial support will continue in the coming days to ensure steady progress of the project. He also acknowledged that local residents have faced several difficulties due to the construction work and said efforts are being made to complete the project smoothly and at a faster pace with the support of local authorities. He added that preparations are underway for the rainy season, noting that there are only three to four effective working months left for fiscal year 2025/26, and planning is being done accordingly.

According to Anju Pariyar, information officer at the Department of Roads, the Suryabinayak–Sanga section of the project was originally contracted on 8 March 2023, with a deadline of 7 March 2026, which was later extended to 13 March 2027 to accommodate delays. Similarly, the Sanga–Dhulikhel section, initially scheduled to be completed by 12 Dec 2025, was extended to Dec 2026 to allow for ongoing construction challenges.

Tamang said the team is prioritizing measures to reduce dust and mud, especially during the monsoon. Roads are being blacktopped as quickly as possible, and in sections where black topping cannot be completed on time, gravel will be laid to minimize dust and mud without damaging the existing pavement.

Pariyar said that bridges along the route will also be upgraded. “Three existing bridges within the 8-kilometer stretch—at Jagati, Mahadev Khola and Punya Mata Khola—will be redeveloped as part of the expansion,” she said. The work has been awarded under a separate contract to the Hindu Focus–Ramjanaki JV, following a design-and-build modality. Surveying and preparatory work are currently underway.

The 15.8-kilometer road expansion is being carried out under two separate contracts. Of the total stretch, the Suryabinayak–Sanga section has recorded partial progress, while the Sanga–Dhulikhel segment has achieved relatively higher physical progress. Lama Construction Company has been awarded the contract for the Sanga–Dhulikhel section of the road expansion project. Meanwhile, the Suryabinayak–Sanga section has been contracted to the Ashish–Kumar Shrestha–Bandan Bhagawati JV.

The project involves widening the 16-kilometer Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel section of the Araniko Highway into a six-lane road. The 7.5 kilometer Suryabinayak–Sanga stretch was awarded at a contract cost of Rs 3.8bn, while the 8.5 kilometre Sanga–Dhulikhel section was contracted for Rs 4.5bn. Despite financial constraints that caused delays, key infrastructure works such as retaining walls, drainage systems and culverts have already been completed.

Once the highway expansion is completed, the travel time from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel is expected to be reduced to approximately 30 minutes in total, significantly improving connectivity and easing traffic flow. Construction activities are currently ongoing in both sections. Meanwhile, 95 percent of retaining wall and drain construction has been completed. About two kilometres of the Sanga–Dhulikhel section has already been paved.

Overall, the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel road expansion project has achieved around 45 percent physical development, with the Sanga–Dhulikhel section progressing faster than the Suryabinayak–Sanga stretch. Authorities say that, if work continues at the current pace and resources are mobilized effectively, the project can meet its target completion by deadline. If completed on time, the six-lane highway is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and improve safety for thousands of daily commuters.