KATHMANDU: The upgradation work on the Muglin–Malekhu section of the Prithvi Highway has gained momentum after months of slowdown caused by heavy rainfall and festive holidays.
According to Engineer Bijaya Dari of the Nagdhunga–Muglin Road Project (Western Section), construction activities have now resumed in full swing. “We have started work on access roads to four bridges, installed barriers in several sections, and begun drainage construction,” he said.
He added that blacktopping is expected to resume within the next few days. Out of the total 38.86 kilometers of road, eight kilometers have already been blacktopped, and preparations are underway to blacktop an additional five kilometers.
Work on bridge foundations is also progressing. One foundation of the Charaundi bridge has been completed, with the other under construction, while both foundations of the Hugdi bridge are ready, Dari informed.
So far, about 35 percent of the road upgrade has been completed. The section will feature 2.2 kilometers of six-lane road in Malekhu, Benighat, and Muglin, and 7.2 kilometers of four-lane road passing through Ramailo Danda, Kurintar, Fishling, Chumling, Majhimtar, Charaundi, and Bishaltar.
A 2.3-kilometer climbing lane will also be built along the uphill and downhill sections to improve vehicle movement.
The project, awarded on December 20, 2022, to Sharma–JICG JV at a cost of Rs 4.80 billion, is being built with World Bank support. The contract was initially set for completion within three years, with the current deadline expiring this December.
Dari said an extension process is underway due to design modifications and other delays. Remaining works include blacktopping, drainage construction, slope stabilization, retaining walls, and other safety structures.
The Muglin–Malekhu stretch serves as a key route connecting Kathmandu with the rest of the country, facing heavy traffic and logistical challenges that have slowed progress, according to the construction company.
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