NPBCL kicks off work on highway tunnel

Issuing a statement to the media, developer Nepal Purbadhar Bikas Company Limited (NPBCL) said construction works would begin from Bhimphedi in Makwanpur district.

"We have the responsibility of starting the project within the time mentioned in the agreement with the Nepal government. We are happy that we are starting construction works within the timeframe announced earlier," said Kush Kumar Joshi, president of NPBCL.

Joshi added that NPBCL wouldn't be holding any formal program to begin construction works as most of the people are busy due to the upcoming Constituent Assembly (CA) election.

The company claimed that the 58km tunnel highway will shorten travel distance between Kathmandu and Hetauda to just an hour from around six hours.

The project is estimated to cost around NPR 35bn (USD 350M) and expected to complete by December 2016.