Narayanghat–Butwal Road Widening Deadline to Be Extended for Third Time
Nepal’s critical East-West Highway project faces another extension as 90% work is expected to be completed within the newly proposed one-year timeline.
Kathmandu — The Narayanghat–Butwal road expansion under the East-West Highway (Mahendra Rajmarg) is set to receive a one-year extension, marking the third official deadline push since the project began in 2019.
According to Engineer Chudharaj Dhakal, Director of the ADB Road Project Directorate, the extension is being considered after the Chinese contractor China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. committed to completing 90% of the remaining works within the additional year.
🔹 Current deadline: Sharwan 8 (July 23, 2025)
🔹 Eastern section progress (Gaindakot–Daunne): 69.3% physical completion
Key Construction Highlights:
Major works ongoing in Chormara, Danda, Beldiya Khola, Pulchowk, Jayashree Khola
Small bridges completed and operational
Large bridges under construction
The bridge over Sukha Khola completed, but approach road yet to be built
272 workers currently mobilized
7km blacktopping remaining between Dumkibas and Daunne
56km of the 65km Eastern section already blacktopped
Project Overview:
Start date: February 2019
Initial deadline: 42 months
Total extensions: 3 (including current)
Final timeline: This is expected to be the last extension
Budget Allocation:
Eastern section (Gaindakot–Daunne): NPR 9.13 billion
Western section (Daunne–Butwal): NPR 7.86 billion
Total project cost: NPR 16.99 billion
Funding model: 85% from ADB loan, 15% Nepal government share
Upon completion, this section is expected to significantly enhance travel efficiency, safety, and economic connectivity along Nepal’s busiest freight and passenger corridor.