Detailed Feasibility Study including EIA of the proposed Kathmandu-Kulekhani-Hetauda Tunnel Highway Project

Project Description

Nepal Purwadhar Bikash Company Ltd. (NPBCL), a national infrastructure developer is in the process to construct a high speed four lane highway through People Public Private Partnership (4Ps) arrangement and with Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOT/ BOOT) concept. The development plan of Katmandu – Kulekani – Hetauda Tunnel (KKHT) Highway has been initiated in the context of much talked about and most desired short cut route out of the valley. This highway will play a very important role as it connects entire western followed by southern and eastern parts of Nepal through mid-zone of Nepal (Hetauda) and will significantly boost overall economic growth of the corridor, region and the whole country.
The Detailed Feasibility Study and DPR Preparation: consisted of Engineering studies and Investigation of possible alternative alignments of the Highway Project, Topographical Survey, Investigation of tunnel locations, Comparative assessment of all potential alternative alignments, Recommendation of preferred alignment, Geological/Geotechnical Survey/Investigation including soil investigation and material availability survey, hydrological studies, Traffic analysis and traffic forecast, Engineering design of preferred alignment as per Asian Highway Standards, Design of Tunnel, Bridges and Traffic Intersections (4 nos.), Preparation of project implementation plan, Economic and financial analysis, Preparation of DPR and Institutional arrangement for implementation of the project.
The total road length studied was around 59 Km with 22 bridges of a total length of around 2,000 m. The Highway also consisted of three tunnels with aggregate length of 4,552m. The design speed of the highway is 100 Kmph in plain to rolling area 80-60 Kmph in rolling to hilly/mountain area.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): consisted of Preparation of TOR; Biological and Physio-chemical Impact Assessment; Social Impact Assessment; Cultural Impact Assessment; Health Impact Assessment; Economic Impact Assessment; Alternative analysis, Impact Mitigation and preparation of Environment Monitoring Plan. Total Project Cost NRs. 34,475 million.

Assignment Description

The main objective of the present services is to prepare Detailed Feasibility Study Report (DFSR) of Kathmandu - Kulekhani - Hetauda Tunnel Highway • Desk study based on secondary data, past reports, documents, maps, drawings etc. • Field Reconnaissance/observation, Field data collection- primary • Review, sum-up and validation of field data and preparation of Preliminary Report • Comparative study of alignment & recommendation of best alignment in all aspects including environment (technical, financial, economic, social, public participation etc.) • Preparation of Design memoranda (Road & tunnel associated development) • Preparation of Detailed Feasibility Report by looking into • engineering, road safety, economic, finance, private sector involvement, public participation, social/resettlement, and environmental aspects. • covering both the surface road and tunnel based on the topographic survey, geology, hydrology, hydro-geology, investigation & testing, various related studies • taking into account the future development, existing main local roads and associated infrastructures so that the engineering standards & level of service, compliance to environmental and social requirements and action plan, safety measures, desirable government support and risk sharing mechanisms, operation & maintenance plan, implementation schedule and arrangement, cost & revenue streams and charge & its revision, return on investment & other financial parameters, financial plan and other terms & conditions are properly dealt and addressed. • Geotechnical survey and investigation of possible alternative alignments and tunnel location • Preliminary geological and hydrological studies of alignment • Detailed topographic, geotechnical and environmental and social studies Preparation of Area development Plan and EIA Report • Preparation of detailed feasibility report, project implementation plan and operation and maintenance plan • Economic and Financial analysis • Carry out Road Safety Audit, traffic count with origin and destination survey, axle load survey and traffic analysis