Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track: A Project of National Pride
An infrastructure of national pride, Kathmandu-Terai/ Madhesh Fast Track (KTFT) is a mega highway project of strategic importance in Nepal. The 72.5 km long fast track will connect Khokana, Lalitpur with Nijgadh, Bara at the East West highway junction. The project consists of road with the total length of 55.49 km, 87 bridges with the total length of 10.60 km, and three twin tunnels with the total length of 6.41 km. The total travel time is estimated as one hour.
Benefits
The fast track will enhance the country's economic growth and create job opportunities as well. There are so many benefits from KTFT which are the blessings that bring prosperity and progress. Here are some of the potential benefits that KTFT will bring to our nation.
A. Accelerate the country's economic growth
The construction of KTFT contributes to connect Kathmandu and Terai closer. Since the travel distance is lesser in KTFT, the daily fuel saving could potentially reach more than NRs. five billion. This proximity is sure to have several positive implications on the economic growth of our country.
KTFT-enhanced connectivity can open up a viable option to tourists that come to Nepal through the southern border. At the same time, many of the tourists beyond India will also have options to travel to Nepal via fast track.
B. Development of high skill
KIFT is the project with many complicated structures like high bridges and twin tunnels. The technology Involved in those structures will be totally new to the people of Nepali. The Nopali people involved in KTFT will certainly got a chance to sharpen their knowledge and skills from the new technology.
C. Employment opportunities
This project is sure to create job opportunities for young people of the country. The new job opportunities will definitely help families upgrade their economic conditions.
D. Kathmandu-Terai accessibility KTFT connects Kathmandu with Nijgadh allowing a shorter travel distance at a higher speed. The project will facilitate the people of Terai in different fields, including health, education, jobs and now markets.
Similarly, local traders can also be benefitted from KTFT. The cheaper transportation reduces the shipping costs, which reduces the cost of goods at the consumers' end. Another major benefit of KTFT Is to facilitate the Nijgadh International Airport, which is currently under construction. The project connects the airport to the capital efficiently.
KTFT can also be used exclusively to provide food, water, and medical supplies in case of natural calamities, such as earthquake and flood.
E. Reduction in high density of the Kathmandu Valley
After the operation of KTFT, the distance from Kathmandu to Thrai will be limited within an hour. People from faraway places can easily enter Kathmandu within an hour to access its facilities. They do not need to settle in Kathmandu which contributes to reduce the density of the Kathmandu Valley. Thus, an over increasing congestion of the Kathmandu Valley can be reduced with the realisation of the concept as a greater Kathmandu.
Drawbacks
The poor behaviour of road users, increment in road accidents, deficit on smooth link roads, deforestation and land degradation are some burdens of KTFT. Here are some of the constraints that might adversely affect the development of our country.
A. Road-user behaviour and threat in traffic safety
Considering the vulnerable condition of Nepali Roads, the addition of another more advanced infrastructure can pose new challenges. Since the average design speed of KTFT is around 70 km/hr, high speed can also cause road accidents.
B. Establishment of link roads
After the operation of KTFT, the next challenge will be to ensure the smooth connectivity with the neighboring highways and cities with the formation of link roads. Without these supporting link roads, KTFT will not function effectively. The section from different link roads to the zero point has to be further improved and possibly expanded to accommodate the high inflow of traffic brought by KTFT.
C. Effects on environment
Construction of such a large infrastructure will adversely affect the environment. Some major effects during the construction phase can be the pollution of air by dust particles with the rock blasting. quarrying and dumping of filling particles. The deforestation during the period of construction can accumulate the air pollution which will be one of the major causes for environmental degradation.
Conclusion
KTFT has to promise to accelerate socio-economic revolution in Nepal. Such a noble mission can be accomplished only if we could Implement innovative strategies and apply advanced technologies in our transportation system.
(Adapted from the article 'Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track (Expressway) Road Project (KTFT): Blessing Or Curse? by Arbind Shrestha)
A. Complete the crossword puzzle below with the words from the text.
ACROSS
3. weak and without protection- vulnerable |
5. the amount by which something is less than what is needed- deficit |
6. to provide with a space- accommodation |
8. events that cause great harm and misery- calamity |
10. using new methods or ideas- innovative |
DOWN
1. things that limit or control what you can do- constrains |
2. to make an action or a process possible or easier- facilitate |
4. the state of being crowded- congestion |
7. the physical movement of goods from one point to another- quarrying |
9. to collect or increase something gradually- accumulate |
B. Complete the following sentences choosing the best alternatives.
a. The total length in KTFT from Khokana to Niigadh is ............. |
i. 72.5 km |
ii. 55.49 km |
iii. 10.60 km |
Answer: i. 72.5 km |
b. Nepal can reduce the consumption of petroleum products after completing KTFT as it........ |
i. contributes to economic growth |
ii. enhances connectivity |
iii. shortens travel time |
Answer: iii. shortens travel time |
c. The main challenge of the project upon completion is....... |
i. managing the crowd in Kathmandu |
ii. controlling road accidents |
iii. establishing link roads |
Answer: iii. establishing link roads |
d. According to the writer, the success of completing the project depends on ..... |
i. cost |
ii. technology |
iii. socio-economic benefits |
Answer: ii. technology |
C. Answer these questions.
a. What type of project is Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track? |
Answer: Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track is a mega highway project of strategic importance in Nepal. |
b. How is KTFT going to reduce the consumption of petrol in Nepal? |
Answer: KTFT is expected to reduce petrol consumption in Nepal by providing a shorter travel distance, resulting in significant fuel savings. |
c. Will this project help promote tourism in Nepal? How? |
Answer: Yes, this project will promote tourism in Nepal by enhancing connectivity and providing a faster option for tourists coming through the southern border, as well as attracting tourists from beyond India. |
d. How does this project contribute to the development of high-skill human resource in Nepal? |
Answer: This project contributes to the development of high-skill human resources in Nepal by introducing new technology and providing opportunities for Nepali people to enhance their knowledge and skills. |
e. How does the project help the people living in the Eastern Terai? |
Answer: The project helps the people living in the Eastern Terai by connecting Kathmandu with Nijgadh, allowing easier access to various sectors such as health, education, jobs, and markets, thereby improving opportunities and facilities in the region. |
Word Meaning
Word |
infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ |
structure, system |
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities |
mega /ˈmeɡə/ |
huge, massive |
Very large or significant in size or scale |
strategic /strəˈtiː.dʒɪk/ |
important, key |
Relating to long-term plans or goals, especially in business |
junction /ˈdʒʌŋk.ʃən/ |
intersection, connection |
A place where two or more roads or railway lines meet or cross |
enhance /ɪnˈhæns/ |
improve, strengthen |
To increase or improve the quality, value, or extent of something |
prosperity /prɒsˈper.ɪ.ti/ |
success, wealth |
The state of being successful, especially in terms of wealth |
implications /ˌɪm.plɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz/ |
consequences, effects |
The possible effects or results of an action, decision, or event |
connectivity /ˌkɒn.ɛkˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/ |
connection, link |
The state or quality of being connected or linked together |
viable /ˈvaɪ.ə.bəl/ |
feasible, workable |
Capable of working successfully; practical or workable |
upgrade /ʌpˈɡreɪd/ |
improve, enhance |
To improve the quality or performance of something |
facilitate /fəˈsɪl.ɪ.teɪt/ |
enable, assist |
To make an action or process easier or more efficient |
congestion /kənˈdʒɛs.tʃən/ |
overcrowding, traffic jam |
The state of being overcrowded, especially with vehicles |
deficit /ˈdɛf.ɪ.sɪt/ |
shortage, shortfall |
A lack or shortage of something, especially money or resources |
degradation /ˌdɛɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ |
deterioration, decline |
The process of deteriorating or being degraded |
vulnerable /ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/ |
susceptible, at risk |
Easily harmed or affected by something negative or harmful |
pose /poʊz/ |
present, create |
To constitute, present, or create a threat, danger, or problem |
operation /ˌɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ |
Extra Questions to Practice
Expandable FAQ Section
What is the Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track?
▼
The Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track is a highway project of strategic importance in Nepal.
How long is the fast track?
▼
The fast track is 72.5 kilometers long.
Where does the fast track connect?
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The fast track connects Khokana, Lalitpur with Nijgadh, Bara at the East West highway junction.
What does the project consist of?
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The project consists of a road, 87 bridges, and three twin tunnels.
How long is the total length of the road?
▼
The total length of the road is 55.49 kilometers.
What are the potential benefits of the fast track?
▼
The fast track can enhance the country's economic growth, create job opportunities, and bring prosperity and progress.
How can the fast track contribute to economic growth?
▼
The fast track can connect Kathmandu and Terai more closely, resulting in daily fuel savings and positive implications for economic growth.
What options does the fast track provide for tourists?
▼
The fast track offers a viable option for tourists coming through the southern border and allows tourists from beyond India to travel to Nepal more easily.
What complicated structures are involved in the project?
▼
The project includes high bridges and twin tunnels.
How can the project benefit the people of Terai?
▼
The project can facilitate the people of Terai in various fields such as health, education, jobs, and markets.
How can the project benefit local traders?
▼
The cheaper transportation provided by the fast track can reduce shipping costs and lower the cost of goods, benefiting local traders.
What major benefit does the project offer to Nijgadh International Airport?
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The project efficiently connects the airport to the capital, improving accessibility.
How can the fast track be used in case of natural calamities?
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The fast track can be used exclusively to provide food, water, and medical supplies during natural calamities like earthquakes and floods.
How can the fast track help reduce congestion in the Kathmandu Valley?
▼
After the operation of the fast track, the distance from Kathmandu to other places will be limited within an hour, reducing congestion in the valley.
What are some drawbacks of the fast track project?
▼
Drawbacks include poor road user behavior, increased road accidents, deficits in smooth link roads, deforestation, and land degradation.
What challenge arises after the operation of the fast track?
▼
The challenge is to ensure smooth connectivity with neighboring highways and cities through the establishment of link roads.
How can the construction of the fast track affect the environment?
▼
The construction can lead to pollution of air by dust particles, deforestation, and environmental degradation.
What is the main aim of the fast track project?
▼
The main aim is to accelerate socio-economic revolution in Nepal.
What is required to accomplish the mission of the fast track project?
▼
The implementation of innovative strategies and the application of advanced technologies in the transportation system is required to accomplish the mission of the fast track project.
What is the purpose of the Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track?
▼
The purpose is to enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and improve the overall development of Nepal.
How can the fast track contribute to job creation?
▼
The project is expected to create job opportunities for young people, helping improve their economic conditions.
What benefits can the fast track bring to the people living in faraway places?
▼
People from faraway places can easily access the facilities of Kathmandu within an hour, reducing the need to settle in the city and contributing to a reduction in the density of the Kathmandu Valley.
How can the fast track help reduce fuel consumption?
▼
The shorter travel distance provided by the fast track can lead to significant fuel savings for vehicles using the route.