The proposed 800-metre underpass between Khasibazaar and Bafal Chowk is expected to complete in two years. The four-lane underpass, which is part of the Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project, will significantly ease traffic congestion at Kalanki Chowk, according to Ramesh Kumar Disti, the KRRIP engineer.

A tunnel for the underpass is being dug at present. More than two dozen Chinese workers have been mobilised for the job. Once the underpass is completed, the vehicles driving between Swyambhu and Balkhu will not have to experience traffic jams at Kalanki intersection, Disti said.

The underpass will be part of the 10.39 km Koteshwor-Kalanki road for which the China has pledged a grant of Rs 5.13 billion.