POKHARA: The physical progress of the western section (Pokhara–Jamune) of the Pokhara–Muglin road project has reached 55.10%, while financial progress stands at 42.50%, according to the project office.
So far, the first layer of one-way blacktop has been completed on 37.70 km of the total 38.88 km stretch. Chief Engineer Krishna Bahadur Kunwar reported that 26.38 km has been expanded to two-way (four-lane), and 10.32 km to one-way (two-lane).
Construction on this section, which began in Bhadra 2078 BS, is scheduled for completion by the end of Poush. However, the deadline has already been extended twice due to delays by the contractor.
The Chinese company Yanhui Kaiyuan Highway and Bridge Construction is carrying out the expansion and upgrade work. Engineer Kunwar stated that the stretch from Jamune (Tanahun) to Seti Bridge (Pokhara) will feature a mix of four- and six-lane segments.
Out of 13 bridges planned for this section, 11 have been completed, with two still under construction. Likewise, 103 out of 105 culverts have been built. Completed bridges include those over Myagdekhola, Kumlekhola, Thadekhola, Samdhikhola, Mulkhola, Phedikhola-1, Phedikhola-2, Rudikhola, Haledikhola, Kalikhola, and Kotrekhola in Kaski.
The Bijaypur and Seti bridges are being constructed under a separate bridge contract. The physical progress of the Bijaypur bridge has reached 60%, while the Seti bridge stands at 48%. Engineer Kunwar estimates it will take another five to six months to complete the Bijaypur bridge.
The Seti Bridge—designed as a signature cable-stayed structure—has seen slower progress despite its three-year contract term ending this Bhadra. Awarded to Rasuwa Construction in Shrawan 2079 BS, the project faced setbacks from delayed design approvals to the removal of existing structures. The sub-structure of the bridge is complete, and work on the superstructure is underway.
Two iconic signature bridges featuring attractive architectural designs will be constructed upstream and downstream of the existing China Bridge, forming part of the six-lane section. The total contract value for this construction is Rs. 940 million (excluding VAT), using concrete and steel.
The Pokhara–Muglin road, a crucial part of the Prithvi Highway built over five decades ago, is being widened and upgraded with funding support from the Asian Development Bank.
The project office expects the western section to be completed by this winter if construction proceeds without further disruption. Meanwhile, physical progress on the eastern section (Jamune–Muglin), considered a lifeline of Gandaki Province, has reached 86%.
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