The much-anticipated road expansion project along the Nagdhunga–Muglin highway, a vital gateway into and out of the Kathmandu Valley, is progressing slower than expected, with some sections facing significant delays due to the monsoon and geographical challenges.
The 95-kilometer highway, which connects Nagdhunga to Muglin, has been divided into three segments for construction purposes. The project officially began in mid-2079 BS and is being funded through a concessional loan from the World Bank.
Section 1: Nagdhunga to Naubise
Spanning 12.26 km, the first section has made the most progress so far, with nearly 85% physical work completed. The first layer of blacktopping is finished throughout the stretch, and about half of the road has seen second-layer blacktopping.
Two bridges in this section — at Naubise and Khatri Pauwa — have completed slab casting. However, some portions near Nagdhunga and Jhyaple Khola are still undergoing surfacing. Originally scheduled for completion by Jestha 2081, the deadline has been extended to Shrawan 2082 due to incomplete work.
Section 2: Naubise to Malekhu
This 43.54 km segment has seen only 43% progress. Despite being awarded to ZICG–Sharma–Lama JV in 2079 BS with a three-year timeline, the work has lagged behind.
The project was initially set to finish by Jestha 2082, but the deadline was recently extended to Kartik 2083.
Fifteen kilometers of the stretch have undergone first-phase blacktopping. Of the 13 planned bridges, 8 are already operational, while 5 are still under construction. Remaining challenges include relocating electric poles and finalizing hillside cutting in areas like Pokhare.
Section 3: Malekhu to Muglin
The final 38.86 km segment is moving at a slower pace with just 32% progress. Sharma–ZICG JV holds the Rs. 4.8 billion contract, which started in Poush 2079 and is supposed to be completed by Poush 2082.
So far, about 8 km of road has been blacktopped in areas like Lewatar, Bishaltar, and Kurintar. Work on 6 new bridges is underway — 4 have finished slab casting while 2 are under construction. Around 77 homes and sheds marked for demolition are in the compensation stage.
Special Features & Plans
- Road will be 6-lane in large market areas, 4-lane in smaller towns, and 3-lane elsewhere.
- Climbing lanes for cargo vehicles will be built separately, including a 4.7 km stretch from Nagdhunga to Naubise and a 17.5 km lane from Naubise to Malekhu.
- 21 new four-lane bridges will be built along the route.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite good progress in some parts, the monsoon has impacted construction, and some landslide-prone zones remain blocked. About 12 heavy machines have been placed on standby in locations like Malekhu, Hugdi, and Kurintar to remove debris in case of roadblocks.
Additionally, issues such as delays in pole relocation and disputes over certain constructions, like an overhead bridge in Khanikhola, have further slowed the timeline.
Authorities remain hopeful that the project will significantly improve traffic flow and safety between Kathmandu and the Terai region once completed.
