KATHMANDU: The Prithvi Highway's Muglin-Pokhara segment is expanding gradually; 74 percent of the physical construction has already been finished. The project intends to improve regional transportation by enlarging and improving a 41.45-kilometer section between Aanbukhaireni and Jamune.
Information Officer Bishnu Prasad Pandey reported that the final phase of blacktopping has been completed on 27.4 kilometers of the eastern section. This process involves applying two layers of asphalt, with 6 centimeters in the first layer and an additional 4 centimeters in the second.
Blacktop work on two lanes has been finished for 69 kilometers throughout the project. In places like Dumre, Chirkan, and Damauli, construction is moving quickly, which is indicative of the project's overall development.
The last stage of blacktopping is presently taking place in towns like Bandipur, Aanbukhaireni, and Byas. After this blacktop construction is completed, road painting will start, improving the route's usability and safety even more.
In Damauli Bazaar, the project includes road expansion, the construction of drainage systems, and the maintenance of a 23-meter width from the center point. Blacktopping is also ongoing for the stretch between Buldipul and Ghansikuwa.
Another crucial aspect of the project is building the bridge. A big bridge near Dumre Bazaar is almost finished, and fourteen smaller bridges have already been finished. Additionally, two other big bridges have been completed. Byas Municipality Wards 4 and 5 are connected by the Madi River bridge, which is more than half finished.
To handle the growing traffic in the area, the highway expansion is being implemented as a four-lane route. China Communication Construction is in charge of the project, which is financed by credit assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The project was originally contracted for Rs 6.21 billion, but due to delays, the completion date was extended. The deadline has been moved from an earlier date to February 14.
On April 15, 2022, construction officially got underway. The project has advanced significantly, reaching important benchmarks to enhance regional connectivity in spite of a few setbacks.
Once finished, the extended highway should help meet the region's increasing transportation needs, cut down on travel time, and improve access to markets and services, all of which will support the socioeconomic growth of the region.
