The upgrading of the Pokhara–Mugling Highway, one of Nepal’s major transportation corridors, has reached its final stage, marking a significant step towards improving road connectivity to Pokhara, the country’s tourism capital. The western section (Pokhara–Jamune) has achieved 86% physical progress, while the eastern section (Jamune–Mugling) has already been completed and handed over by the construction company.
The 81-kilometre highway improvement project is expected to make travel between Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara more convenient, supporting tourist transportation, regional mobility and economic activities. As a major road route connecting the capital with one of Nepal’s most popular tourism destinations, the upgraded highway is expected to contribute to a smoother and more reliable travel experience for domestic and international visitors.
Western Section of Pokhara–Mugling Highway Reaches 86% Progress
According to project officials, the western section, extending from Pokhara to Jamune in Tanahun, has achieved 86% physical progress. Project Chief Engineer Krishna Bahadur Kunwar said the remaining construction work is targeted for completion by mid-November (Mangsir) 2026. Around five kilometres of service lanes remain to be blacktopped, while road marking, installation of traffic signs and other road safety-related works are currently underway.
Preparations are also being made for service-lane blacktopping in areas including Amarsingh Chowk to Seti Bridge in Pokhara, Talchowk and Budhibazar. The western section covers 38.88 kilometres, with 18.5 kilometres developed into six-lane roads and the remaining stretches upgraded to four lanes. The wider road sections in urban areas are intended to accommodate increasing traffic movement and improve accessibility along the corridor. Of the 13 bridges planned under this section, 12 have been completed, while the signature bridge over the Seti River in Pokhara is being constructed under a separate contract.
Eastern Section Completed with Wider Roads and 17 Bridges
The eastern section, covering 41.45 kilometres from Jamune to Mugling, has already been completed and handed over by the construction company. According to section engineer Bishnu Prasad Pandey, the road expansion and upgrading works have been completed, and the project has entered the Defects Liability Period (DLP). Under this section, approximately two kilometres of road in Damauli and Dumre markets have been developed into six lanes, while the remaining stretches have been upgraded to four lanes.
A total of 17 bridges, including small and large structures, have also been constructed to improve road connectivity along the route. The contractor will remain responsible for correcting construction defects during the DLP and maintaining the road for an additional five years under the project agreement. The signature bridge over the Madi River in Tanahun is being constructed through a separate contract.
Improved Road Connectivity to Strengthen Pokhara Tourism
The Pokhara–Mugling Highway is regarded as a lifeline for Gandaki Province, providing an important road connection between Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara. The highway is regularly used by tourist buses, private vehicles and travel operators transporting visitors to Pokhara and other destinations in the region. The road improvement is particularly significant for Pokhara, which attracts visitors for its lakes, mountain views, adventure activities and access to trekking destinations in the Annapurna region.
Improved road conditions are expected to make journeys more comfortable, reduce travel difficulties and support smoother transportation for tourists travelling from Kathmandu and other parts of the country. During the construction period, travellers and tourism businesses experienced difficulties due to dust, muddy road conditions and delays. With the eastern section completed and the western section approaching completion, road users have already started benefiting from wider and improved road stretches. The upgraded highway is also expected to support tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and transportation services along the corridor.
Major Infrastructure Investment to Support Regional Development
The Pokhara–Mugling Highway upgrading project was launched in 2021 with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The eastern section was awarded to China Communications Construction Company for Rs. 6.21 billion, while the western section was contracted to Anhui Kaiyuan Highway and Bridge Construction for Rs. 7.40 billion. The western section agreement was signed on May 16, 2021, and construction began on August 28, 2021. The project involves expanding and upgrading the approximately 81-kilometre highway, which was originally constructed around five decades ago.
Beyond improving transportation, the highway development is expected to support economic activities and tourism growth across Gandaki Province. Wider roads, improved bridges and better traffic facilities will strengthen connections between major urban centres and tourism destinations, making the corridor increasingly important for Nepal’s domestic and international travel network. Once the remaining western-section works are completed, the upgraded Pokhara–Mugling Highway will provide an improved transportation link between Kathmandu and Pokhara, supporting the movement of tourists, local communities and businesses.
