Kathmandu, November 9:

The under-construction Bishnumati Link Road (BLR) is expected to save some seven crore rupees a year upon its completion, according to officials involved in the construction.

The 2.8-km segment, running south to north, have 14m carriageway and three metres wide footpaths on either sides, said Ravindra K Poudyal, project manager of the BLR sub-project under the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).

The road begins from Teku and runs parallel to the Bishnumati River along its right bank. After crossing the River near Kankeshwori, the road runs along the eastern bank up to Indrayani, turns slightly towards east and ends at the Sorakhutte junction.

“The project may also construct a bridge over the river near Kankeshwori,” Pokharel said, adding that the total budget of the project is Rs 170 million.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing 50 per cent of the amount as loan and has agreed to provide 40 per cent of the amount as grant. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is contributing 8 per cent of the amount.

“Around 4500 vehicles will ply on the road every day upon the completion of the road. It will save 15-20 minutes of time and will also save fuel,” he said, adding that the traffic problem will also be solved. He also said that the most of the bridges along the road are of low height and are likely to create problem. “We have asked the Department of Roads (DoR) for technical

improvements of the bridges. The DoR is positive but there has been no formal talks,” he said.

The project was first proposed by the ADB in 1977. But it couldn’t take shape because the DoR failed to provide compensation for land and property acquired from locals. The project is expected to complete by July 2009.