China to construct road within Nepali territory

The Chinese government is all set to build a new road within Nepali territory on the Nepal-China border from Syprubesi to Rasuwagadi in northern Nepal, within two years.

Maheshwor Lal Shrestha, Senior Division Engineer at the Department of Roads (DoR), said the China government has already completed a survey and prepared the design for the road.
"The construction of the new road along the border with China will not only increase economic activities in Nepal, but also help boost trade and commerce between China and India," Shrestha told this daily today.

According to him, once the road is built, it will be the shortest route for transportation of goods between China and India through Nepali territory. The nearest current border point is Tatopani in Sindhupalchowk district, but the Birjung-Kathamandu-Nuwakot-Rasuwagadhi route will be shorter than the route connecting the Tatopani checkpoint.
"Nepal would be collecting revenues and the locals of Rasuwa would also be able to easily export their local products to China," he said.

The total length of the new road is around 16 kms and is 4.5 meters wide. Out of the total width, China would gravel 3.5 meters. Eight big and three small bridges lie within the road where the total carriageway of the bridge is 7 meters. The road initially goes along Bhote Koshi that passes by Linlin and Timure villages that are situated 1,698 meters and on 1,736 meters above the sea level respectively.

The road ends at 1,819 meter at Rashuwagadhi. According to Shrestha, the total estimated cost for construction of the road is around 165 million Yuan (NRs 1,419 million). The consultant and the contractor would be finalised by
the end of this month and if they arrive here on time, the construction would start by the end of February 2008, he added.
He said the DoR would be playing the role of Liaison office for the construction of the road. "All the skilled manpower would be hired from China and other labourers would be hired by the contractors on the basis of cost effectiveness," he stated, adding: "A bridge from Rasuwagadhi to Tibet would be constructed by the Chinese government later after the completion of the road."