To ease chronic traffic congestion in Koteshwar, the government is all set to construct two flyovers and a tunnel with a concessional loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project, estimated to cost Rs 30.8 billion, is scheduled for completion within eight years.

Director General of the Department of Roads (DoR), Bijay Jaishi, said that the process of building the two flyovers and the tunnel in Koteshwar has already begun. According to Deputy Director General Arjun Aryal, the cabinet meeting on August 18 approved the decision to take concessional loans from JICA for the project.

JICA has already completed a pre-feasibility study, which proposes a 600-meter flyover from the Tinkune Bridge to near Munibhairav Temple in Koteshwar. From near the temple, a 700-meter tunnel will connect to the eastern edge of Tribhuvan International Airport (Jadibuti). Additionally, another 238-meter flyover will be constructed from Jadibuti to the Manohara River bridge.

Unlike the overpass at Gwarko, the new flyovers will be supported by multiple pillars. The tunnel will follow the “cut-and-cover” method - excavating the soil, building the structure, and covering it back - rather than deep drilling as in the Nagdhunga tunnel.

“Due to the low ground level, we are adopting the cut-and-cover model for Koteshwar,” Jaishi explained.

According to JICA’s timeline, the loan agreement will be signed in September 2025, with implementation beginning in December. Consultants will be appointed in May 2026 and will prepare the detailed design by May 2027. Contractor selection is scheduled for June 2027, followed by a construction agreement in April 2028. The entire project is expected to be completed by August 2033.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has given a positive response to the tunnel construction plan, paving the way for the project.

JICA had studied several alternatives, and the government approved the “Alignment 2K2R” model, under which the flyovers and tunnel will be built.

By Bhuwan Sharma