Damauli, Tanahun - June 9, 2025: Significant progress has been reported on the Muglin-Pokhara road expansion project, a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity in Nepal. The project, divided into eastern and western sections, is being carried out with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to address increasing traffic demands on the 1969-planned road.
Western Section: Moving Forward Amid Challenges
The western section, stretching from Jamune in Tanahun to the Seti Bridge in Pokhara, has reached a 53% completion milestone. According to Krishna Bahadur Kunwar, Chief of the Muglin-Pokhara Road Project (Western Section), blacktopping is complete on 24 kilometers of two-lane and 12.8 kilometers of single-lane sections. Efforts are underway to complete the remaining 3 kilometers of single-lane blacktopping by the end of June.
However, delays have been caused by the pending removal of 424 electricity poles, particularly in the Talchowk-Adarshchowk and Dandakona-Bijaypur sections. Kunwar confirmed that local authorities have pledged to remove the poles within a week, paving the way for four-lane construction completion from Kotre to the Seti Bridge by mid-July.
The project contract, worth NPR 7.4 billion, was signed in May 2021 with Anhui Kuen Highway and Bridge. The deadline for completion is December 2025.
Eastern Section: Nearing Completion
In the eastern section, spanning from Abukhaireni to Jamune, approximately 85% of the work has been completed. Engineer Bishnu Prasad Pande revealed that most of the blacktopping is finished, with only single-lane segments near the Madi Bridge and Bimalnagar, along with minor work in Damauli Bazaar, remaining. Despite previous delays that extended the deadline thrice, Pande expressed confidence in completing the work by June 12.
The contract for this section, valued at NPR 6.21 billion, was awarded to China Communication Construction. Work began in April 2021 following a contract signing in February 2021.
A Path to Better Connectivity
The expansion of the Muglin-Pokhara road into a four-lane highway marks a transformative step for Nepal’s infrastructure. Once completed, the road will significantly reduce travel time, support economic activities, and improve access to critical regions. While challenges such as electricity pole removal and previous delays have hindered progress, coordinated efforts by contractors, local authorities, and stakeholders offer hope for timely completion.
Ecosphere News will continue to monitor and report on this vital infrastructure project, which stands as a testament to Nepal’s ambition for sustainable development and enhanced regional connectivity.
