BP highway
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Sindhuli Road (BP Highway)
Sindhuli Road, also known as the BP Highway (Banepa–Bardibas Highway), is one of Nepal’s most significant and scenic highways. It connects Banepa in Kavrepalanchok District to Bardibas in Mahottari District, cutting through Sindhuli District, hence commonly referred to as Sindhuli Road.
📍 Key Facts:
Length: Approximately 158 kilometers
Opened: Fully operational since 2015
Constructed by: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Alternate Name: BP Koirala Highway
Route: Banepa – Dhulikhel – Khurkot – Sindhuli – Bardibas
🌄 Importance and Features:
- Engineering Marvel:
Sindhuli Road is famous for its engineering. Built by Japan, it features numerous bridges, retaining walls, tunnels, and well-planned curves, designed to minimize landslide risks and improve travel safety.
- Connectivity:
It provides a shorter and faster alternative to the traditional East-West Highway for people traveling between Kathmandu Valley and the eastern Terai. It reduces the travel time between Banepa and Bardibas significantly.
- Tourism Potential:
The road passes through beautiful hill landscapes, forests, and rivers, making it one of Nepal’s most scenic drives. Sindhuli Gadhi, a historical fort where Nepali forces defeated the British in 1767, lies along this route.
- Economic Boost:
It has helped boost the local economy by improving transportation of goods, promoting agriculture, and facilitating tourism and trade in the region.
🛣 Challenges:
The road, while modern and scenic, still faces seasonal landslides and maintenance issues, especially during the monsoon.
Drivers must be cautious due to its sharp turns and narrow lanes in some hilly sections.
🇳🇵 Symbol of Nepal–Japan Friendship:
Sindhuli Road is often cited as a symbol of friendship between Nepal and Japan, showcasing what international cooperation can achieve. It stands out as one of the best-built highways in Nepal, both in terms of design and functionality.