The government has begun the procurement process of raw materials and other equipment from India to build the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track, the newly appointed Defence Minister Bhimshen Das Pradhan said on Friday. 

Speaking at an interaction in Kathmandu, Pradhan said the Nepal Army, which has been commissioned with the task of constructing the proposed 76km express way, needed some modern equipment and raw materials including explosives for the project.

“To that end, the government has already initiated the procurement process with the Indian side. The formalities concerning the deal will likely take place when Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba visits India, “ he said. 

On the government’s decision to award the contract of constructing the fast track to the Army, the defence minister said the NA had time and again proved its competence by completing several road and track opening projects, making it an ideal candidate to take on the ambitious undertaking. “The Nepal Army is one institution that has displayed a steadfast loyalty and commitment to the country and her people,” he said, adding that he was in favour of offering necessary resources to the Army and increasing its engagements in development projects.