Damauli (Tanahun): The blacktopping phase has been initiated in the western section of Tanahun as part of the Muglin-Pokhara road expansion project. The project, focusing on the west section, has commenced blacktopping activities from Shuklagandaki municipality-2, Haledi of the district, along the Jamune-Pokhara route.

Engineer and Information Officer Narayan Poudel, overseeing the Road Section, revealed that the first day saw the completion of 420 meters of one-way blacktopping on Thursday. The project aims to complete blacktopping for the one-way five-kilometer section by March 13. Poudel also mentioned that blacktopping will extend from Jamune of Myagde rural municipality and Belchautara of Shuklagandaki municipality starting today. "The work will now progress rapidly, with the necessary human resources and equipment ready," he assured.

Initially, the project will focus on one-way blacktopping in the first phase, with plans to proceed to two-way blacktopping once the initial phase is successfully executed. The Muglin-Pokhara road expansion project adopts asphalt technology for blacktopping.

The work on the western section, spanning from Jamun to Pokhara, commenced on August 29, 2021, following an agreement signed on May 14, 2021. The contract for this section was awarded to the Chinese company, Yanhui Kaiyun Highway and Bridge Construction, with a budget of Rs 7.40 billion. The deadline for completing the construction of the western section is set for August 2024.

Local resident Shankar Panta expressed optimism with the initiation of blacktopping. He noted that the locals, who had been dealing with dust and mud issues since the road expansion project began, are pleased to see progress in blacktopping after a considerable duration.

Panta emphasized the community's commitment to continuously monitor the construction works to ensure quality. The progress in the Muglin-Pokhara road expansion project's western section has been relatively slow, but with materials arranged for blacktopping a 20-kilometer section, positive developments are anticipated.

Additionally, around a 20-kilometer section of the eastern part has already undergone blacktopping. The contract for the eastern section was awarded to China Communications Construction, with a deadline set for mid-May 2024.