The Pokhara-Mugling Road Project (Western Section) has completed 43.34 percent of its construction, with 29.47 km of the total 38.88 km stretch already blacktopped. According to Project Engineer Saujanya Nepal, crews have paved 15.32 km of the four-lane road on both sides, while 14.15 km has been blacktopped on one side. The project aims for completion by mid-December 2025 after two previous extensions.
In the western section, workers still need to blacktop 2 km in Tanahun, while expansion and infrastructure preparation continue in the Kaski section. The contract for this section was signed on May 16, 2021, with construction starting on August 28, 2021, initially set for completion within a year.
Chinese construction company Anhui Kaiyuan Highway & Bridge Construction is managing the expansion. Blacktopping is ongoing in Chauthe, Pokhara International Airport, Amarsingh Chowk, and Budhi Bazar, while construction has gained momentum in the Talchowk-Gagangauda section of Pokhara Metropolitan City-27. Roads in Tharpu and Tur Ture of Tanahun, as well as Lower Gagangauda in Kaski, have already been paved. The section from Jamune in Tanahun to Seti Bridge in Pokhara will feature both six-lane and four-lane sections.
Additionally, workers are building bridges over Bijaypur Khola and the Seti River, with nine out of 12 bridges in the western section nearing completion. The Chinese company is executing the construction at a cost of Rs 7.40 billion. The Asian Development Bank is financing the entire 81 km Pokhara-Mugling Road expansion and upgrade.
Meanwhile, in the eastern section, spanning 41.45 km, China Communications Construction began work in mid-April 2021. The final stages of upgrading and blacktopping are underway, though roadwork has temporarily disrupted transportation in Pokhara, causing inconvenience for travelers. Locals have voiced concerns over delays in road upgrades.
Once completed, this major highway is expected to enhance transportation between Pokhara and other parts of Nepal. The four-lane road will play a crucial role in boosting Gandaki Province’s economy and tourism. Engineer Nepal expressed confidence that travelers will soon experience smoother, dust-free roads with reduced travel times.
