Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel Highway

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)