Tanahun: Deadline for the Muglin–Pokhara Road Project (Eastern Section) has been extended for the fourth time, according to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
The extension covers the stretch from Jamune to Aanbukhaireni in Tanahun district, with the new deadline set for October 11.
The previous extension expired on July 13, prompting the ministry to approve another request for more time.
Engineer Bishnu Prasad Pandey, associated with the project, confirmed that most of the work is now complete. The 41.5-kilometer section from Aanbukhaireni to Jamune has already been paved with four lanes of blacktopped asphalt, except for Dumre–Damauli Bazaar, which has been expanded into six lanes.
“Blacktopping has been completed across the section. In most places, painting and finishing touches are also done. Only a small amount of work remains, which is why we sought a short extension,” Pandey said.
The road-paving was completed within the agreed three-year period plus an additional 456 days. The contract for the section was signed on 30 January 2021, and work officially began on 15 April 2021.
The project’s contract was awarded to China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The total cost of the eastern section stands at Rs 6.21 billion.
The Muglin–Pokhara highway was originally designed in 1969. With traffic volumes increasing significantly over the decades, the government decided to upgrade the route into a four-lane highway under financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Once fully completed, the upgraded road is expected to reduce travel time between Muglin and Pokhara, improve safety, and boost trade and tourism by providing smoother connectivity to one of Nepal’s busiest routes.
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