नेपालको फास्ट ट्र्याकमा अवरोध: खोकना विवाद र नयाँ प्रस्थान बिन्दु योजना скачать в хорошем качестве

नेपालको फास्ट ट्र्याकमा अवरोध: खोकना विवाद र नयाँ प्रस्थान बिन्दु योजना

The total length of this national pride project, the Fast Track, is 70.977 kilometers, of which only 10.901 kilometers is tunnel section. However, in the 5-kilometer stretch that falls within the Khokana section of Lalitpur, construction work has still not been able to move forward. Even though then–Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had issued strict instructions last August to resolve this dispute, the situation there remains unchanged to this day. On one hand, Smart City and the Outer Ring Road, and on the other, the Fast Track — as all these major projects become concentrated in the same area, local residents have continued to oppose them, saying that the region’s archaeological and historical heritage is at serious risk. Experts and professors from Pulchowk Engineering Campus conducted a special study on where the starting point of the Fast Track should be located. The report, prepared over a period of about nine months, was submitted to the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure in Chaitra 2080. The report concluded that, from a technical standpoint, the Khokana area is the most suitable location. However, as an alternative, it also suggested that work could proceed by constructing a “viaduct,” or elevated bridge, over the Bagmati River without touching the Sikali Ghat area. At the same time, the study warned that constructing it in this way could lead to serious social and cultural challenges. The study proposed another option as well — making Bungamati the starting point of the Fast Track. If the project were to begin from Bungamati, new land could be acquired along the right bank of the Bagmati River to construct a four-lane corridor road. Choosing this option would avoid any impact on the disputed Sikali Ghat area. According to the report, there is a possibility of building two-lane roads on both sides of the Bagmati River and using Bungamati as the starting point. Another proposal suggests keeping Bungamati as the starting point while acquiring additional land along the left bank of the Bagmati River. As yet another option, the report mentions designating Dukuchhap as the starting point, using the right bank of the Bagmati River, and acquiring some land for that purpose. Sources at the Ministry of Defense have indicated that preparations are underway to select one of these alternatives and make a decision soon. A team comprising the Chief District Officers of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Makawanpur, along with representatives from the Ministries of Defense, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Finance, and Forests and Environment, as well as members of the National Planning Commission and project leadership, has returned after an on-site inspection of the Fast Track. Although work on the Fast Track is progressing, some challenges have been observed in every project package. At present, the major issues include tree felling, land acquisition, and compensation for houses and structures. During the on-site inspections conducted together with the respective Chief District Officers, these issues were thoroughly briefed to them. In the case of Khokana, however, no concrete decision has yet been reached. According to project officials, the current visit was only to understand the overall situation, and preparations are being made to provide policy-level support and recommendations regarding possible alternatives. After the Nepal Army took charge of project management, the initial target was to complete the project by Mangsir 2081. But as the work could not be completed within the stipulated time, the deadline has now been extended until Chaitra 2083. Since the current construction progress stands at only 44.43 percent, there is significant doubt that the project will be completed even within the extended period. In terms of expenditure, the total estimated cost of the project including VAT has reached 211.93 billion rupees, of which around 95.83 billion rupees has already been spent.