KAVREPALANCHOWK — Permanent reconstruction of the BP Highway, a major lifeline connecting Nepal’s eastern and mid-hilly regions with Kathmandu, has officially begun after extensive damage from repeated floods and landslides.According to the Divisional Road Office, Bhaktapur, reconstruction work has started on three severely affected sections in Kavrepalanchowk and Sindhuli districts. Although the route had been temporarily reopened, authorities have now moved toward long-term restoration.Around 30 kilometers of the highway were damaged late last September and early October this year. Chief Divisional Engineer Suman Yogesh said contracts have already been awarded, with construction initiated in Chowkidanda, Mangaltar, Narke Gimdi, and surrounding areas.The permanent reconstruction plan includes expanding the road to two lanes, building new bridges alongside existing ones, and upgrading five bridges to a two-lane structure. The targeted completion timeframe is two years.The Dalabesi to Charsayabesi (8.5 km) section has been contracted to Khani-Avon-Kamaljit JV at a cost of Rs 1.42 billion. Meanwhile, Lama-Nawakantipur JV will reconstruct the Charsayabesi to Bhakundebesi (11.08 km) section for Rs 1.33 billion.Similarly, the Nepalthok to Barkhekhola (4.90 km) section is being handled by Kharidhunga-Ghising-Kshitij JV for Rs 610 million. Additionally, JICA will reconstruct the Barkhekhola to Piple (3.2 km) stretch under a grant assistance of Rs 2.63 billion.A total of Rs 8.5 billion has already been allocated by the government for the project, including Rs 7.5 billion for the Kavrepalanchowk sections and Rs 1 billion for the Sindhuli portion.The 160-km BP Highway (Dhulikhel–Sindhuli–Bardibas), originally built with Japanese assistance starting in FY 2053/054, was officially handed over to Nepal in Asad 2072 BS, and continues to serve as a vital transport corridor connecting the capital to the eastern and hilly regions of the country.