October 1: Altogether 43 companies have submitted proposals for the construction of tunnels and bridges under the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Project.

The Nepalese Army, which has been handed the responsibility of overseeing the fast track project by the government, announced on Wednesday (September 30) that the 43 companies have met the criteria required for the construction of the tunnel and bridges in 11 clusters. Those infrastructures will be constructed in two packages, informed the army.

The Nepalese Army had earlier issued tender for the construction of the tunnels and bridges, which falls under the complicated works under the project.

According to the Nepalese Army, a total of 21 companies have submitted proposals for the construction of infrastructures under Package 1 of the project that falls between Chokredanda to Dhedrekhola. Likewise, 22 companies have submitted proposals for the Package 2, which falls between Dhedrekhola to Lanedanda.

Those companies have fulfilled the requirement of having prior experience in planning, designing, engineering, procurement and construction of infrastructures like tunnels and bridges, informed the army.

Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Santosh Poudel informed that an evaluation committee will go through the proposals and shortlist qualified companies for the project within two weeks.

The fast track will have three tunnels and 16 bridges. The Nepalese Army has completed the works of drilling along the 72.5 kilometer fast track. Out of the total length of the fast track,  tunnels will be of 6.41 kilometers in length.