Kathmandu: Nepal has commenced work on a new road link to India slashing the distance of the highway connecting the two countries to a mere 76.2 kms, making it possible to reach Kathmandu in 90 minutes.
The new fast track highway coming up at an ambitious cost of USD 706.66 million will stretch from Kathmandu to Birgunj, bordering India, significantly bringing down transportation costs between the two countries.
The existing highway from Rauxal is over 200 km long and it takes a five hour long ardours drive to reach Kathmandu from the Indian border.
The new four lane 22 metre wide highway being built at the initiative of Nepalese army is expected to be completed within the next three years and will have a 1.3 km long tunnel in between.
The foundation stone of the new highway was laid by the two Deputy Prime Ministers Bijaya Gachchhadar and Sujata Koirala jointly.
The new highway will also link Nepal`s proposed second international airport in Bara district with the capital, an official said.
Bureau Report
