Dhading, March 19 – The Muglin–Malekhu road upgrading project, a key section of the Nagdhunga–Muglin road corridor, is progressing at a sluggish pace, with only 25% of the work completed so far. This road, which serves as a vital link between Nepal’s capital and major southern trade routes, is undergoing expansion and blacktopping under a project funded by the World Bank.
The 95-kilometer Nagdhunga–Muglin road has been divided into three packages for upgrading: Nagdhunga–Naubise (12.26 kilometers), Naubise–Malekhu (43.54 kilometers), and Malekhu–Muglin (38.86 kilometers). However, challenges such as delays in resource mobilization, relocation of utility poles, and issues in acquiring construction materials have hampered progress.
Progress So Far
In the western section of the road, around four kilometers in Chumlingtar, Kurintar, and Lewatar have been blacktopped, and work is underway to expand sections in market areas to four lanes. Sub-base work is ongoing in areas like Fishling, Benighat, and Charaundi, while foundation construction for bridges in Charaundi and Hugdi is progressing. Despite these advancements, significant portions of the project remain incomplete.
Project Chief Kedar Prasad Nepal stated that the target is to complete blacktopping of 16 kilometers, including four bridges, by mid-July. “Currently, eight kilometers of the targeted section falls in market areas, requiring extensive four-lane road construction, which is time-consuming,” he said.
Challenges and Delays
The relocation of 90 electric poles has emerged as a bottleneck, with 50 poles still awaiting transfer. Additionally, although tree clearance in government forest areas has been completed, the lack of timely construction materials has stalled progress. The construction company, Sharma–ZICG, has also faced challenges in deploying adequate resources to meet deadlines.
Signed in January 2023, the contract stipulates project completion by January 2026 at a cost of NPR 4.80 billion. However, delays caused by extreme weather events, including severe landslides in Krishnabhir last September, have added to the project’s burden. Reconstruction and stabilization work in six landslide-affected areas, including a 100-meter collapsed section, have further complicated the upgrading efforts.
High Traffic Volume Adds to Complexity
The Nagdhunga–Muglin road is a lifeline for Kathmandu, accommodating approximately 15,000 vehicles daily. Despite heavy traffic, workers continue efforts to upgrade the road. Engineer Bijay Darai highlighted that around 200 workers are deployed daily, focusing on blacktopping and bridge construction.
Public Frustration Mounts
The slow pace of progress has drawn criticism from locals and travelers, who have long endured the challenges of this congested route. “This road is critical for both trade and daily commuters. The delays are frustrating, but we hope the project will bring much-needed relief once completed,” said a commuter from the area.
As the project struggles to maintain its timeline, questions remain about whether the necessary interventions and resource allocations will ensure timely completion. Meanwhile, the success of this road project is seen as essential not just for easing transportation but also for bolstering Nepal’s economic connectivity.
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