Kathmandu, November 5

With the aim of easing traffic congestion across the Kathmandu valley, the Chinese government will start the second phase of Ring Road expansion works from January.

For this, the Department of Roads (DoR) is currently clearing the site along the Kalanki-Maharajgunj section. After it is completed, the Chinese government will start the construction by appointing a contractor.

The project is being funded through Chinese assistance.

Amrit Mani Rimal, head of Ring Road Expansion Project, informed that the site clearance has been initiated and is expected to be completed by December at a total cost of Rs one billion.

As per him, trees are being felled and relocation of electricity poles, drinking water pipes, sewage lines and other infrastructure is also being carried out. Altogether over 2,060 trees will be cut in the Kalanki to Maharajgunj section.

Relocation of electricity poles, sewage lines and drinking water pipes are ongoing. Nepal Electricity Authority and Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Ltd have started to remove their respective structures lying on the right of way of the road.

Earlier, the government had approved the detailed engineering design and detailed project report for execution of the project.

“After we clear the site by December, the Chinese contractor company will mobilise the necessary manpower and equipment in the project site from January,” he added.

According to the plan, the 8.2-km-long stretch will be widened to 60 metres and will comprise an eight-lane road along with additional six-metre-wide lanes on both sides of the road for easy pedestrian movement. The road stretch will be divided by the divider for safety.

As per Rimal, DoR is facing some hurdles while clearing the sites in Swayambhu, Thulo Bharyang and Maharajgunj. The locals of aforesaid areas are obstructing works and negotiations are ongoing.

“We have improved the design of the Kalanki-Maharajgunj section compared to the Koteshwor-Kalanki section, where we have faced much criticism regarding pedestrian safety,” he said, adding that two underpasses, a flyover and 10 overhead bridges will be built along Kalanki-Maharajgunj section.

The Chinese government, meanwhile, has already completed the upgradation works of Koteshwor-Kalanki section under the first phase of the project.

It was formally handed over to the government last year.