Reconstruction of the BP Highway, damaged by the September 2024 floods, has begun on all but a 3.2 km section, with contracts awarded for the most affected stretches.

Work is progressing simultaneously from Kavre and Sindhuli, prioritising sections that suffered the worst damage, according to the relevant authorities.

The floods damaged 30.5 km of the highway between Bhakundebesi and Nepalthok. The road is now being rebuilt as a two-lane highway across three contract packages—three in Kavre and one in Sindhuli. The 11 km stretch from Bhakundebesi to Charsayabesi was awarded to Lama–Navakantipur JV for Rs1.14 billion.

Suman Yogesh, chief of the Bhaktapur Road Division, said work is ongoing on the most critical sections—Chaukidanda, Katunje, and Charsayabesi—where reinforced earth walls, micro-piles, and RCC walls are being constructed. Road widening and wall construction are also underway. “On difficult sections, work continues until 11pm,” he added.

The 9 km stretch from Charsayabensi to Dalabesi was contracted to Khani–Kamaljit–Ewan JV for Rs1.22 billion, while the 2.3 km section from Piple to Dalabesi was awarded to Uma & Co–Bhandari–Amarjyoti JV for Rs680 million in November.

The remaining 3.2 km section from Piple to Barkhekhola will be built by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under a Japanese grant of Rs2.63 billion. Arjun Prasad Aryal, chief of the Development Cooperation Implementation Division at the Department of Roads, said the contract will be finalised by March. The construction will first make the road passable before the monsoon, with permanent works starting afterwards. JAICA has committed to completing the section by the end of 2027.

Of the 30.5 km damaged stretch, 27.3 km is now under contract, and work has begun. The 5 km Sindhuli section from Barkhekhola to Nepalthok was awarded to Kharidhunga–Ghising–Kshitij JV for Rs550 million in mid-June. The Road Division Bhaktapur has been allocated Rs7.5 billion, and the Road Division Office, Khurkot Rs1 billion for highway reconstruction and repair.

Parashmani Hamal, chief of Road Division Khalte in Sindhuli, said construction progress is currently around 20 percent. Work is focused on three high-risk areas to prevent flooding damage during the monsoon. Even if asphalt paving cannot be completed before the rains, gravel will be laid to allow vehicles to pass safely.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Madhav Prasad Chaulagain, who recently inspected the highway, said work is proceeding rapidly to ensure smooth traffic during the monsoon. “Whether it’s policy or budget, we won’t allow construction delays. Roads must remain open and usable even during heavy rains,” he said.