Editorial photo #12381372 Disaster and Accident

Nepal’s BP Highway Awaits Reconstruction After Flash Flood Of 2024, Japanese Assistance Sought

A Nepali woman walks towards the market carrying goods on her back as she walks along a section of BP Highway in Kavepalanchowk District, Nepal, on May 18, 2025. The section of the BP Highway between Katunje and Barkhekhola is severely damaged by the flash flood in the Rosi River in September 2024. Three sections will be rebuilt under the funding of the government of Nepal, while the Japanese government is requested for support to rebuild the fourth section. A total budget assurance of Rs. 8.5 billion is secured from the government for the reconstruction of the highway. Out of this, Rs. 7.5 billion is allocated for the three sections in Kavrepalanchok district and Rs. 1 billion for the Sindhuli section. Regarding the challenging and winding 5.5-kilometre segment from Barkhekhola to Dalabensi, discussions are ongoing with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which also shows interest in conducting a field study and potentially undertaking the project. JICA is also conducting a feasibility study to construct a tunnel between Khurkot and Chiyabari in Sindhuli, which would help shorten the BP Highway. In anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season and the potential impact on transportation, the Division Road Office in Bhaktapur raises the height of the temporary road built along the flood-damaged areas of the BP Highway. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)