Slow Progress on Pokhara-Muglin Road Project: Deadline Extension Requested

The western section of the Pokhara-Muglin road project, a critical stretch of the Prithvi Highway, has recorded only 32 percent physical progress despite its three-year construction timeline. The latest 101-day contract extension is set to expire on December 5, but the project remains far from completion.

The construction, overseen by a Chinese contractor, began in Bhadra 2078 BS and has already seen two deadline extensions. With the contract period nearing its end, the contractor has requested another one-year extension, citing recent acceleration in construction as a reason for optimism. Engineer Soujan Nepal, representing the project, stated that the extension process is underway and expressed confidence that the remaining work could be completed within a year if the current pace is sustained.

Current Progress Highlights

• 22 kilometers of the one-way road in the western section, including Tharpu in Tanahun and Gagangauda in Kaski, has been blacktopped.
• Of the 12 planned road bridges in the 38.88 km western section, nine are nearing completion.

Project Scope and Challenges

The 81-km Pokhara-Muglin road expansion is a vital infrastructure upgrade funded through Asian Development Bank (ADB) grant assistance. The four-lane expansion aims to enhance connectivity and safety along this major highway, but delays have hindered its progress. The initial three-year contract period ended last Bhadra, and repeated extensions have raised concerns over project management and contractor efficiency.

Looking Ahead

With construction activities reportedly gaining momentum in recent months, stakeholders are hopeful for timely completion if the requested extension is approved. However, the project’s sluggish pace has drawn attention to the need for stricter oversight and accountability to ensure critical infrastructure projects meet deadlines.

The Pokhara-Muglin stretch remains a lifeline for trade and tourism, and its timely completion is essential for regional development and connectivity.