The Government of Nepal, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is undertaking the SASEC Highway Enhancement Project (SHEP). This project aims to upgrade a 95.67 km section of the East-West Highway, stretching from Kakarbhitta to Laukahi, including major bridges, from a two-lane to a dedicated four-lane configuration with service lanes in select areas. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) is overseeing the project, with the Department of Roads (DOR) as the implementing agency.

The joint venture of MG Consultants (Sri Lanka), Roughton International (UK), and Yuksel Proje (Turkey) has been appointed as the project consultant. The consulting services encompass project management, supervision, monitoring, quality assurance, contract administration, and safeguard activity implementation. The consultants will oversee construction, maintenance, and social/environmental safeguard activities, ensuring compliance with ADB guidelines and incorporating the latest technological advancements, particularly in climate resilience and road safety standards.

Key project components include pavement construction, widening and stabilization of embankments, improvement/replacement of drainage structures and bridges, realignment of roads, installation of traffic safety features, environmental protection measures, biodiversity conservation, occupational health and safety measures, social and resettlement measures, and slope stabilization. The project adheres to FIDIC General Conditions of Contract, MDB edition 2010, with modifications specified in the Particular Conditions of Contract.