Japan 40 billion in Koteshwor, a good saver of Japan.

A long-awaited solution to Kathmandu Valley’s notorious traffic congestion at Koteshwor Chowk is set to materialize with the construction of a cut-and-cover tunnel and two flyovers. For this ambitious infrastructure project, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide Nepal with a concessional loan of NPR 40 billion (approximately USD 300 million). The loan carries an exceptionally low interest rate of 0.2 percent, a crucial boost for the nation’s infrastructure development. The proposal to secure this loan is slated for submission to an upcoming cabinet meeting.

The proposed project spans approximately 1,816 meters in total length, encompassing approach roads for vehicle entry and exit. According to Suresh Paudel, Senior Divisional Engineer at the Department of Roads, the flyovers will be 759 meters long, including their respective approach ramps.

A significant component of the project is the construction of a 700-meter-long tunnel. This tunnel, extending from Jadibuti to Tinkune, will pass underneath the Tribhuvan International Airport runway’s land. It will also feature interconnected entry and exit points.

This project, considered Nepal’s largest infrastructure undertaking after the Nagdhunga Tunnel, is primarily aimed at easing the daily gridlock at Koteshwor. The Department of Roads identifies Koteshwor as the most congested area in Kathmandu Valley, serving as a crucial junction connecting Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts. It’s also a primary route for traffic to and from Tribhuvan International Airport, as well as the Arniko Highway and BP Highway, leading to eastern Nepal. The new structures are expected to offer alternative routes, significantly reducing daily commuting times.

The project is currently in its ‘conceptual design’ phase. This preliminary study and design were prepared to facilitate the loan assistance from the Japanese government. Department of Roads officials state that a detailed project report (DPR) will be finalized, and consultants appointed, only after the loan agreement is secured.

Addressing concerns regarding the Tribhuvan International Airport’s approach light land, the Civil Aviation Authority has laid down conditions, and the Department of Roads plans to construct structures only in the outer areas of the airport premises.

JICA’s proposal is not merely a loan but a comprehensive ‘turnkey’ project, meaning Japanese companies will handle all aspects from design to construction. The Government of Nepal has already formed a negotiation team, and Ministry of Finance officials have concluded discussions with their Japanese counterparts.

Should the Koteshwor project prove successful, it could pave the way for similar modern infrastructure developments at other busy intersections in Kathmandu, such as Satdobato and Ekantakuna. With the Gwarko overpass already completed in Lalitpur and the Kalanki underpass, built with Chinese assistance, operational, Kathmandu Valley is steadily moving towards modernizing its transport infrastructure.

The idea of a flyover or tunnel at Koteshwor to manage traffic has been discussed for over a decade without a concrete resolution. Traffic and transport engineer Ashish Gajurel highlights that the persistent jams at Koteshwor not only waste commuters’ time but also lead to excessive fuel consumption.

“Emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks also face immense difficulty reaching their destinations due to long vehicle queues,” Gajurel noted. “While the recently opened Gwarko overpass has eased congestion there, it has unfortunately shifted the problem towards Balakumari and Koteshwor, making it even more complex.”

However, Gajurel argues that infrastructure development alone may not be sufficient for a long-term solution to Koteshwor’s traffic woes. He points out that despite the six-lane road in Bhaktapur initially reducing congestion, the jams have since returned, underscoring the need to address the fundamental issue of increasing vehicle numbers. Road widening or building flyovers, he asserts, are not long-term fixes.

For a sustainable solution, Gajurel stresses the need for prioritizing public transport improvement alongside infrastructure development. He believes that a well-organized public transport system would encourage people to use private vehicles less, thereby reducing the number of vehicles on the road and naturally alleviating traffic.

“We need to explore models beyond just physical infrastructure,” he stated. “The main focus should be on public transport. If public transport is efficient, people will buy fewer private vehicles and use them less. This will lead to fewer vehicles on the road, which in turn reduces congestion.”

It is imperative that the government focuses on modernizing and managing public transport in parallel with advancing the flyover and tunnel plans.