KATHMANDU: Construction work on the Tanahun section of the Muglin–Pokhara road is nearly complete, with major road expansion and paving finished, officials confirmed.
According to Prakash Chandra Bhandari, chief of the Eastern Section of the Muglin–Pokhara Road Project, blacktopping of the 41.5-kilometer four-lane road from Aanbukhaireni to Jamune has been completed. In addition, six-lane road segments have been developed in Dumre and Damauli town areas.
“All major works have been completed. Minor tasks such as access roads, road safety features, and installation of traffic signs remain,” Bhandari said.
One of the key highlights of the project is a 318-meter-long four-lane motorable bridge being built over the Madi River near Damauli, which will be Nepal’s first arch-designed bridge of its kind. The bridge connects wards 3 and 5 of Byas Municipality and is the longest arch bridge on the Prithvi Highway.
According to project representatives, including contractor Dinesh Kumar Shrestha, the bridge is being built at a cost of Rs 1.21 billion under a “design and build” contract.
The design was prepared by a Nepali engineering team, underscoring a significant milestone in domestic infrastructure capability.
The construction is being carried out by a joint venture between Nepal-based ANK Construction Service and a Chinese construction company. As per the contract, the builders will also be responsible for maintenance of the bridge for five years after completion.
Once fully completed, the upgraded road and the landmark bridge are expected to significantly ease travel between Muglin and Pokhara, improving safety and travel time for passengers and freight.
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