CHITWAN: The blacktopping work on the Nagdhunga–Malekhu section of the Prithvi Highway is progressing at an accelerated pace. So far, 11 kilometers of road have been blacktopped, 8 km last year and an additional 3 km this year. Efforts are ongoing in several sections to complete the blacktopping work swiftly.
The project was initially contracted for completion in three years, but delays led to a six-month extension. The Muglin–Nagdhunga stretch under the Prithvi Highway has been divided into three phases, with the current work falling under the third phase.
Bijay Darai, engineer for the western section of the Muglin–Malekhu road, said that about 40 percent of the work has been completed. Blacktopping has been carried out in areas including Kurintar, Fisling, Charoudi, and Bishaltar, with preparation ongoing in Bandare, Dhading. Bases and sub-bases have already been laid in Fisling and Jawang Khola, ready for final blacktopping.
Darai stated, “We are working intensively to complete blacktopping as the upcoming season is ideal. Around 200 workers, employees, and technicians are engaged in the process.” He added that post-foundation work is underway for six bridges, including Hugdi and Charoudi, and landslide prevention measures are being implemented in Krishnabhir.
However, a shortage of materials for blacktopping poses challenges. Although materials have been sourced from Charoudi, Benighat, and Ichchakamana in Dhading, a longer-term supply is needed to maintain progress. Darai assured that work will continue once sufficient materials are available.
The 38.86-kilometer road section includes 2.2 km of six-lane stretches in Malekhu, Benighat, and Muglin, and 7.2 km of four-lane road in areas such as Prajadanda, Kurintar, Fisling, Chumling, Mazhimtar, Charoudi, and Vishaltar. A 2.3 km ‘climbing’ lane is being constructed in the uphill and downhill sections, while the remaining stretches will remain two lanes.
The contract for upgrading this section, worth NPR 4.805 billion, has been awarded to Sharma–ZICG. Remaining tasks include blacktopping, drain construction, landslide prevention structures, retaining walls, and road protection measures. This section serves as a key entry and exit point for Kathmandu and is being constructed with support from the World Bank.
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