Kathmandu, Feb. 19 -- Budget constraints are slowing the widening of the Araniko Highway section between Suryabinayak and Dhulikhel. The road, connecting Bhaktapur and Kavre districts, stretches 15.8 kilometres and serves vehicles travelling to eastern hills and Tarai districts via the BP Highway.

The project is split into two sections. The Suryabinayak-Sanga stretch, 7.5 km long, is currently being prepared for asphalt paving, said project engineer Bishnu Prasad Khanal. "If construction proceeds smoothly and the budget is sufficient, both sections could be paved by mid-July," he added. The government allocated Rs600 million for road construction and Rs100 million for bridges this fiscal year. An additional Rs150 million has been request...