Kathmandu: Construction of the fast-track project has been halted after the Nepali Army (NA) on Thursday suspended Chinese contractors for failing to expedite construction work on the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Expressway.

Earlier last week, the government has mentioned in the budget to complete the project on time by 2081 BS.

The Nepal Army had signed two separate contracts with China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd and Poly Changda Engineering Co Ltd last year for the construction of three tunnels, a few bridges, and a partial road under the Fast Track project.

Both the Chinese companies have been informed about the suspension by sending a letter on May 23. However, the period of suspension has not been mentioned.

The under-construction Kathmandu-Terai Madhes Expressway, under the management of the Army, is a project of national pride and strategic importance. The work is scheduled to be completed in the fiscal year 2080/81.

The fast track, an Asian Highway Standard Primary Class A standard road, will have three tunnels and bridges. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 175 billion. The length of the four-lane expressway will be 72.5 km. This road will pass through Khokna of Lalitpur, Kathmandu, and Makwanpur and reach Nijgadh of Bara district.