April 19, 2004
 Opening of a Segment of Sindhuli Road Section II
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The Honorable Minister of Physical Planning and Works, Mr. Buddhiman Tamang and the Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, His Excellency Mr. Zenji KAMINAGA has jointly opened a 12.5km long segment of the Sindhuli Road (Section II: Sindhuli Bazar - Khurkot), for road traffic use today. This has been implemented under grant assistance from the Government of Japan since 2000.
Until now, the people living in this remote area have been facing difficulties in maintaining a convenient and stable life due to the lack of road access. Now, they can enjoy better access to the markets of Sindhuli Bazar and the cities of the Terai plains. As a result, from this accessibility they will enjoy socio-economic development as well as many other benefits.
Since the opening of several segments of the Sindhuli Road (Section IV: Nepalthok - Dhjulikhel, 50km section), the Japanese Embassy has witnessed a tremendous increase in economical activities in Bhakunde Besi in Kavrepalanchok district and other market areas making the villagers' daily life easier and more active. In light of this, Mr. KAMINAGA expressed his hope that a similar effect on socio-economy will be seen at the areas adjoining the 12.5km segment of Section II (Sindhuli Bazar - Pipal Bhanjyang segment) very shortly.
Prior to the implementation of the project for the Construction of the Sindhuli Road, there was only one gateway out of the Capital City to the East-West Highway and the rest of the country. Because of this, there has been an urgent need for a reliable and alternative trunk road connecting the Kathmandu Valley to the Terai plains that will ultimately strengthen the overall road network system of the Kingdom of Nepal. Realizing this need, the project for the Construction of the Sindhuli Road is being implemented in the hope of benefiting the people and communities living in and around the Project area and having an over-all benefit to the people of Nepal.
After the completion of this project, segment by segment, it is expected that this strategic road will contribute in increasing economic activities including the marketing of agricultural products at the areas adjoining the road segment. Further more, it is expected to provide easy access to basic human needs such as health, education, food and basic infrastructures for the local people, which in turn will improve their living-conditions. With this in mind and under the request of the Government of Nepal, the Government of Japan has been extending grant assistance to the Government of Nepal for the Construction of Sindhuli Road since 1996.
On the occasion, Mr. KAMINAGA had mentioned that the alignment of Section II of the Sindhuli Road passes through the Mahabharat Mountain Range, which is located in the middle of the country stretching east to west. This presented innumerous challenges to the Project because of its fragile geology and steep gradient. Mr. KAMINAGA praised the contributions of about 3000 locals who have been working every day to complete this Project in these adverse conditions. Furthermore, in expressing his appreciation to them Mr. KAMINAGA said that the Project would not have gained this momentum in the absence of their efforts. Mr. KAMINAGA further expressed his appreciation to all the concerned Government officials as well as Japanese personnel for their tireless efforts in successfully implementing this Project and also expressed hope for their continued future support.
Mr. KAMINAGA had also expressed that, apart from this segment being opened for public use today, the construction of Phase II of Section II is still in progress. Regarding this, Mr. KAMINAGA had expressed hope that the necessary cooperation and understanding from all concerned would be made available for the smooth implementation of the rest of the construction activities.
Taking this ceremony as an opportunity, Mr. KAMINAGA expressed his belief that drivers and pedestrians alike should respect and abide by the traffic regulations for the sake of their own safety. Mr. KAMINAGA also expressed his hope that entire communities will help to maintain the road properly and efficiently and also that the concerned authorities will place its efforts to repair any damage on the road without any delay to ensure that the road system will be sustained for a long time.
Mr. KAMINAGA has expressed his belief that the continued support of the Government of Japan to His Majesty's Government of Nepal in her development efforts will certainly help address the needs of the country, and also contribute to further strengthening the friendly and cooperative relationship between Japan and the Kingdom of Nepal.
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