TOP 10 National Highways Projects

Last updated on 2024-05-17

Exciting developments on Nepal's roadways! National Highway projects are transforming travel across the country, connecting communities and enhancing accessibility. From improved infrastructure to smoother journeys, these projects signify progress and promise a brighter future for Nepal's transportation network

*the ranking is done on the basis of length

10. Siddhartha Highway

Image Source: My Republica

The Siddhartha Highway, also known as National Highway 12, connects the western regions of Nepal. Linking Siddharthanagar in the Terai plains to Pokhara, a major tourist destination, this highway serves as a vital transportation artery. Constructed in the 1960s and subsequently upgraded, it traverses diverse landscapes, including plains, hills, and valleys, offering scenic views along the route. The Siddhartha Highway plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, travel, and economic development in the region, serving as a lifeline for local communities and enhancing connectivity between urban centers and rural areas.nd enhancing connectivity between urban centers and rural areas.

Distance : 182
Functioning From : 1971
Start-end : Siddharthanagar - Pokhara

9. Tribhuvan Highway

Image Source: wikimedia

The Tribhuvan Highway, spanning over 200 kilometers, stands as a vital artery of Nepal's transportation network, connecting the capital city Kathmandu with the southern town of Birgunj. Named after King Tribhuvan, the monarch who played a crucial role in Nepal's modernization, the highway is emblematic of the nation's progress. Its construction in the 1950s marked a significant milestone, facilitating trade and travel between Nepal and India. Despite challenges like landslides and maintenance issues, the highway remains a lifeline for communities along its route, fostering economic activity and cultural exchange, while showcasing the rugged beauty of Nepal's terrain.

Distance : 189
Functioning From : 1956
Start-end : Kathmandu - Birgunj

8. Kathmandu-Terai Expressway

Image Source: google images

The Kathmandu–Terai Expressway, a significant infrastructure project in Nepal, aims to improve connectivity between the capital city Kathmandu and the southern Terai region. Spanning approximately 76 kilometers, this expressway will provide a faster and more efficient transportation route, reducing travel time between Kathmandu and the Terai. Once completed, it will offer safer and smoother travel experiences, accommodating both passenger and freight traffic. The project involves extensive engineering efforts, including tunnel construction and road upgrades, to navigate through challenging terrain and ensure all-weather access. The expressway holds promise for enhancing economic growth, promoting tourism, and facilitating regional development in Nepal.

Distance : 193
Functioning From : Under construction
Start-end : Kathmandu- Nijgadh

7. Mechi Highway

Image Source: mechihigh

The Mechi Highway, designated as National Highway 07 in Nepal, spans approximately 259 kilometers, connecting the eastern regions of the country. Stretching from Kakarbhitta in the east to Bhadrapur in the west, it serves as a vital transportation corridor, facilitating trade and travel between Nepal and India. The highway traverses diverse landscapes, including plains, hills, and forests, offering scenic views along the journey. Construction of the Mechi Highway began in the early 2000s to improve connectivity and accessibility to remote areas. Despite facing challenges such as terrain and weather, it plays a crucial role in promoting economic development and regional integration in eastern Nepal.

Distance : 268
Functioning From : unknown
Start-end : Kechana-Taplejung

6. Koshi Highway

Image Source: wikimedia

The Koshi Highway, a significant transportation route in Nepal, connecting various regions across the country. Officially designated as National Highway 09, it traverses the eastern districts of Nepal, serving as a vital lifeline for local communities and facilitating trade and travel. The highway crosses the Koshi River, contributing to the region's economic development by linking agricultural areas with urban centers. Construction of the highway began in the late 1990s and continued through various phases to enhance its quality and accessibility. Despite facing challenges such as frequent landslides and floods, the Koshi Highway remains a crucial artery for transportation and connectivity in Nepal's eastern region.

Distance : 320
Functioning From : 2021
Start-end : Jogbani (India) - Kimathanka

5. Madan Ashrit Highway

Image Source: Wikidata

" The Madan Ashrit Highway, also known as the Muglin-Narayangadh highway, stands as Nepal's busiest international roadway link, accommodating 90% of international traffic and hosting approximately 20,000 vehicles daily. Completed in 2018, this newly constructed highway is named after Madan Bhandari and Jeev Raj Ashrit, prominent Nepali Communist revolutionaries who met a tragic end along this route at Dasdhunga. Widening efforts, particularly a 33.2 km section widened from 5 to 9-11 meters, were completed in June 2018. Notably, it serves as a vital junction, linking the Prithvi Highway and Mahendra Highway at Mugling, overseen by the Department of Road. Its significance extends beyond transportation, aiding in the smooth movement of people in the hilly regions and granting access to key destinations like Pulchowk, Narayanghat, Mugling, and the renowned tourist hub, Chitwan National Park. "

Distance : 1016
Functioning From : June 2018
Start-end : Narayanghat-Mugling

4. East-West Highway

Image Source: Ministry of Tourism- Nepal

The Mahendra Highway, colloquially known as the East-West Highway, is a crucial arterial road in Nepal, spanning approximately 1,030 kilometers. Named after King Mahendra of Nepal, it connects the eastern and western regions, traversing diverse landscapes and serving as a lifeline for transportation and trade. Originally conceived in the 1950s and completed in phases, the highway plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development and social integration. It facilitates the movement of goods and people between major cities such as Biratnagar, Janakpur, Butwal, and Nepalgunj, contributing significantly to the country's infrastructure and connectivity. Despite challenges like terrain and weather, the Mahendra Highway stands as a testament to Nepal's commitment to progress and development.

Distance : 1028
Functioning From : 1961
Start-end : Mechinagar (east) - Bhim dutta (west)

3. Madan Bhandari Highway

Image Source: wikimedia

The Madan Bhandari Highway, initiated by the Council of Ministers, serves as a pivotal link spanning 1,390 kilometers across Nepal. Envisioned to bolster connectivity and foster industrial growth, it traverses major cities like Dharan, Gaighat, Hetauda, and Surkhet, unlocking the economic potential of quarry-rich regions and historical sites. With an estimated cost of 75 billion Nepalese Rupees, the project aims to benefit approximately 6.3 million people indirectly. Progress includes blacktopping 240 kilometers of roads and completing 77 bridges by fiscal year 2077/078. Contract awards for various sections demonstrate steady advancement, highlighting the highway's significance in Nepal's infrastructural development.

Distance : 1200
Functioning From : Constructions ongoing
Start-end : Bahundangi- Rupal

2. Postal Highway

Image Source: my republica

The Postal Highway, a significant infrastructure project in Nepal, spans approximately 1,774 kilometers, connecting the east and west regions. Originally conceived in the 1950s to improve postal services, its scope expanded to include transportation and trade facilitation. Construction began in 2008, encountering challenges such as difficult terrain and funding issues. Despite setbacks, sections of the highway have been completed, enhancing connectivity for remote communities and promoting economic development. It serves as a crucial link for trade between Nepal and India, fostering regional cooperation. The Postal Highway symbolizes Nepal's commitment to improving infrastructure and fostering socio-economic growth in the region.

Distance : 1792
Functioning From : November, 2020
Start-end : Bhadrapur- Dodhara

1. Pushpalal Highway

Image Source: my republica

The Pushpalal Highway, named after Nepali politician Pushpa Lal Shrestha, is a vital transportation artery in Nepal, stretching over 1,200 kilometers. It traverses diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to verdant valleys, linking the eastern and western regions of the country. Originally envisioned to enhance connectivity and foster economic development, its construction began in 2008 and was completed in phases. The highway not only facilitates smoother travel for locals but also promotes tourism by providing access to scenic locales like Dhading, Gorkha, and Myagdi. It stands as a testament to Nepal's commitment to infrastructural progress, serving as a lifeline for remote communities and a symbol of national unity.

Distance : 1,889
Functioning From : Constructions ongoing
Start-end : Pachthar (east) - Jhulaghat (west)