The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $305.75 million (about Rs 47 billion) in financial assistance to upgrade sections of the East-West, Prithvi and Karnali highways.
The package includes a $285 million loan, a $20 million grant and $750,000 in technical assistance. Of the funding, $245 million will support the Narayanghat–Hetauda section, $30 million the Mugling–Ambukhaireni section and $10 million the Karnali Highway.
The project will expand around 70 km of the Narayanghat–Hetauda road from two to four lanes. It also includes a two-kilometre viaduct through Tikauli forest, supported by a $20 million grant, to protect wildlife movement along an important biological corridor.
ADB Nepal Country Director Arnaud Cauchois said the investment would improve connectivity for commuters, businesses and tourism while supporting biodiversity conservation. The project is also expected to strengthen road safety, regional trade and resilience to disasters and climate change.
