KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu-Terai/Madhes Expressway has achieved only 16.10 percent of the overall physical progress of the construction works.

According to Nepal Army (NA), which has been entrusted with the responsibility of constructing the strategically important infrastructure, only Rs 25.39 billion has been spent as of Friday compared to the total estimated cost of Rs 175 billion for the construction. The infrastructure witnessed an additional work of 5.10 percent in fiscal year 2020/21.

Out of the 72.5 km long expressway, labeling has been done on about 90 percent of 44.1 km road. Similarly, contracts have been awarded to construct bridges that have a total length of 10.59 km. As of now, preliminary works for the construction of three tunnel ways in Mahadev Tar, Dhedre and Lendada have been started.

A report of NA shows that the constructions of access sub-ways and bailey bridges are underway. Out of 5,172 ropanies of the acquired land, owners of 4,745 ropanes have been paid compensation.

NA took over this national pride project popularly known as 'Fast Track' in 2017. The mega highway project will connect Nijgadh of Bara to Kathmandu. Although the project was originally expected to be completed by 2024, the deadline is set to be deferred due to slow work progress owing to various factors including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.