Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel Highway
This highway will connect entire western followed by
southern and eastern parts of Nepal through Hetauda and will significantly
boost overall economic growth of the corridor, region and the whole country.
The Hetauda-Narayanghat-Mugling-Kathmandu passage is one of
the highest trafficked road corridors in Nepal. Most of the goods from India or
third countries are brought to Kathmandu via this route from Birgunj and other
places. The road length from Hetauda to Kathmandu is approximately 227 km with
travel time of approx. 6-8 hrs. The alternative route - the Tribhuvan Highway,
though only 133 km in length still requires travel time of approx. 7-8 hrs.
Whereas the purposed KKHT Highway will connect Kathmandu with Hetauda via
Kulekhani in an hour.
“Labelled as a ‘4P’ (private, public, partnership and
people), the Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel Highway will be a milestone for
Nepal if it goes ahead with a build, operate, own and transfer model. The Nepal
Purbadhar Bikas Company Limited was set up as the country’s first
infrastructure development organization to build it. At a cost of US$354
million, the 58 km road and tunnel will cut across the challenging Himalayan
terrain to dramatically cut travel times, reduce vehicle fuel and maintenance
expenses, boost business and improve citizens’ lives.” (KPMG)
