The upgrading work on the Muglin–Malekhu road section has gained momentum following the end of the monsoon and festive season. The project had slowed down since mid-June due to heavy rainfall, but work has now resumed in full swing.
According to Engineer Bijay Darai of the Nagdhunga–Muglin Road Project (Western Section), construction work on the approach roads to four bridges has started, along with the installation of barriers and drainage systems. Preparations are also underway to begin blacktopping (asphalt paving) within the next few days.
Out of the 38.86 kilometers of the road section, 8 kilometers have already been blacktopped, and an additional 5 kilometers are ready for final paving. Bridge construction is also progressing — the Charaundi Khola Bridge has one foundation completed, while the second is underway; both foundations of the Hugdi Khola Bridge have been completed.
So far, 35 percent of the total work has been completed. The upgraded section will include 2.2 kilometers of six-lane road (covering Malekhu, Benighat, and Muglin areas), 7.2 kilometers of four-lane road (in Ramailo Danda, Kurintar, Fishling, Chumling, Majhimtar, Charaundi, and Bishaltar), and 2.3 kilometers of climbing lane in uphill and downhill sections. The remaining portions will be two-lane roads.
The contract for this section was awarded on December 30, 2022 (Poush 15, 2079 BS), with a three-year completion period. It falls under the third phase of the Nagdhunga–Muglin road upgrade project. The current contract period ends in December 2025 (Poush 15, 2082 BS), but the extension process is underway due to design modifications and delays.
The Sharma–JICG Joint Venture is executing the project at a cost of Rs. 4.80 billion. Remaining tasks include drainage construction, slope protection, retaining walls, roadside safety structures, and finishing works.
Funded by the World Bank, this vital highway serves as the main gateway to and from Kathmandu Valley, where heavy traffic volume and material shortages have contributed to construction delays, according to the contractor.
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