Government Extends Deadline for Jamune-Pokhara Road Expansion Project

The government has extended the deadline for the Jamune-Pokhara section of the Anbukhaireni-Pokhara road expansion project to December 30, 2025. This marks the second deadline extension for the project, initially contracted to be completed by mid-September this year.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport approved the extension following requests from the contractor, citing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, demolition of roadside structures, tree felling, and removal of water supply pipelines.

The project, part of the Prithvi Highway expansion to four lanes, is divided into two sections: Anbukhaireni-Jamune (41 km) and Jamune-Pokhara (39 km). The Jamune-Pokhara section, overseen by Chinese contractor Yanhui Kaiyun Highway and Bridge Construction at a cost of Rs 7.4 billion, has achieved only 35% physical progress and 24% financial progress so far.

Out of 39 km, 23.91 km has been blacktopped in the first phase, and nine out of 12 bridges have been completed. However, construction of major bridges over the Seti River, Bijayapur Stream, and Kotre Stream remains ongoing.

The eastern section, Anbukhaireni-Jamune, is similarly delayed. Managed by another Chinese company, Communication Construction, this section has achieved 71% physical progress and 53% financial progress. The contractor cited delays in removing drinking water pipelines, shifting electricity lines, and clearing roadside infrastructure as key challenges.

Approximately 31 km of the Anbukhaireni-Jamune section has been blacktopped in four lanes, while 6 km remains in two lanes. Of the 16 planned bridges, 13 are complete, with three still under construction.

The 80-km Anbukhaireni-Pokhara section forms part of the vital Muglin-Pokhara road, a lifeline for Gandaki Province. Frequent delays have disrupted local residents and traders along the highway, while tourism operators report significant adverse effects on Pokhara’s tourism industry.

The Prithvi Highway, constructed with Chinese assistance in 1974, links Kathmandu and Pokhara, two of Nepal’s major cities. Recognizing the highway’s heavy traffic and frequent congestion, the government initiated the widening project with loan assistance from the Asian Development Bank.

While the Anbukhaireni-Pokhara section has seen some progress, the Aanbukhaireni-Muglin segment remains in the design phase due to complications arising from the Marsyangdi Hydropower Project’s powerhouse.

Both the government and contractors face mounting pressure to accelerate work and meet extended deadlines. However, officials acknowledge further delays are possible in key areas such as Dumre, Damauli, and Bimalnagar, raising concerns over whether the projects can be completed on time.