The departure point of the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Expressway may change due to a dispute over land and cultural heritage in Khokana. Due to the dispute, construction work has not yet begun at the departure point in Khokana.

The government has directed the Nepal Army, which has been entrusted with the construction of the expressway, to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR). According to the revised DPR, preparations are being made to build a toll plaza (toll collection house) in the Farsidol area, about 3.3 kilometers downstream of Khokana. If an agreement cannot be reached with the locals, the departure point itself is likely to be shifted to Farsidol.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has instructed them to move forward with an alternative plan if the dispute in Khokana cannot be resolved. The Prime Minister has expressed concern from the community that it will affect the religious and cultural heritage and local beliefs in Khokana, but the project should be moved forward even if the dispute is pending.

In a discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Prime Minister Karki had directed to immediately move forward with an alternative plan related to the expressway project.

Earlier, on Jan 27, Prime Minister Karki had also inspected the under-construction expressway. During the inspection, she stressed that local concerns should be taken seriously while developing and constructing the project, and stressed that the national pride project should be completed quickly, even if the starting point is changed.

Although the Khokana dispute appears to be related to land, the Nepali Army has stated that a political and policy decision is necessary, and has not started construction work in the area. According to Nepali Army Spokesperson Rajaram Basnet, since the army is the implementing agency in the field, the government should make policy decisions.

During the discussion, the Nepali Army had briefed on the progress of the project so far, the problems seen and the expectations from the government. Prime Minister Karki had given clear instructions not to delay development work unnecessarily and not to stop the project due to disputes. As per the same directive, the DPR amendment process has been taken forward to construct a toll plaza at Farsidol, 3.3 kilometers below Khokana.