Suryabinayak-Dhulikhel road expansion gains pace

The six-lane expansion of the 16-km stretch of the Araniko Highway from Suryabinayak to Dhulikhel is now gaining some momentum. The project, which began on 8 Jan 2023, was divided into two sections—Suryabinayak to Sanga and Sanga to Dhulikhel—with a target completion within 36 months. However, only about 30 percent of the work has been completed so far, according to the project authorities.

The government had awarded contracts worth Rs 3.88bn for the 7.5 km Suryabinayak-Sanga section and Rs 4.05bn for the 8.4 km Sanga-Dhulikhel section. However, budget constraints have slowed progress on the main road and service lanes, according to the Sindhuli-Bardibas Road Project Office.

Currently, the construction of retaining walls, drainage systems, and culverts is in its final stage. However, the expansion work in the Sanga area has faced challenges due to steep terrain, making construction difficult.

Despite an agreement of over Rs 8bn for the project, the government has allocated only Rs 540m this fiscal year, which is just seven percent of the required budget. Officials say the lack of funds has caused delays in hiring workers, purchasing materials, and overall progress. They maintain that if the government releases the budget on time, the road can still be completed within the initial deadline.

The project also requires the construction of three new bridges, including those near Jagati and Mahadev Khola petrol pump, at an estimated cost of Rs 1bn. The feasibility study suggests each meter of bridge construction will cost Rs 1.5m.

A separate 1.5 to 2 km section in Sanga, where the road lanes are at different elevations, will not include service lanes due to challenging topography. Instead of constructing a tunnel, the expansion will proceed with modifications to the existing structure. The study also estimates that Rs 1bn will be required to compensate for acquiring 17 ropani of land for the project.

The Araniko Highway was initially constructed in 1960, with a right-of-way of 22.86 meters on either side. The same legal framework was upheld in 1964, and many houses along the road were built following this regulation.

With the reopening of the Tatopani border crossing with China, traffic on this highway is expected to increase further. Currently, over 1,000 long-distance vehicles depart from Koteshwor daily. The road is a crucial link connecting Kathmandu with the Mid-Hill Highway (BP and Pushpalal highways) to the east, as well as with the Koshi and Madhes provinces.