To ease chronic traffic congestion in Koteshwar, the government will construct two flyovers and a tunnel with a concessional loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project, costing an estimated Rs 30.8 billion, is expected to be completed within eight years.
According to Bijay Jaishi, Director General of the Department of Roads (DoR), preparatory work for the construction has already begun. Deputy Director General Arjun Aryal confirmed that the cabinet meeting on August 18 approved taking the concessional loan from JICA to implement the project.
JICA has completed a pre-feasibility study, proposing:
- A 600-meter flyover from the Tinkune Bridge to near Munibhairav Temple in Koteshwar,
- A 700-meter tunnel connecting the temple area to Jadibuti, near the eastern edge of Tribhuvan International Airport, and
- A 238-meter flyover from Jadibuti to the Manohara River bridge.
Unlike the Gwarko overpass, the new flyovers will be supported by multiple pillars. The tunnel will be constructed using the “cut-and-cover” method—excavating the soil, building the structure, and covering it back—rather than deep drilling as used in the Nagdhunga tunnel.
“Due to the low ground level, we are adopting the cut-and-cover model for Koteshwar,” Jaishi explained.
Timeline
- September 2025: Loan agreement to be signed.
- December 2025: Project implementation begins.
- May 2026: Consultants appointed to prepare a detailed design (to be completed by May 2027).
- June 2027: Contractor selection.
- April 2028: Construction agreement signed.
- August 2033: Project completion.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has already approved the tunnel construction plan. JICA studied multiple alternatives before the government endorsed the “Alignment 2K2R” model, under which the tunnel and flyovers will be built.
