Construction work on the Naubise-Malekhu section (Package II) of the Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project has resumed after delays caused by the West Asia conflict and local issues.

The project has restarted at full pace following the import of bitumen. Work is currently focused on completing the road base and laying asphalt on a three-kilometre stretch between Naubise and Dharke. Construction is also progressing rapidly in the Ghatbesi section.

Project chief for the eastern section Keshav Ojha said paving work has been prioritised in market areas and on steep and difficult stretches to ease travel and improve safety before the onset of the monsoon.

According to the project office, around nine kilometres of road have already been excavated for paving, while another ten kilometres of the existing blacktopped road are yet to be dug up.

On the infrastructure front, ten of the 13 planned bridges have been completed and opened to traffic. Of the remaining three, slab casting is underway on two bridges. Work on the third bridge, which had been halted due to a court case, is expected to begin soon after the court ruled in favour of the project, Ojha said.

Construction of the Sopyang Khola and Khahare Khola bridges, road safety measures, and retaining walls is also progressing simultaneously.

Work is also advancing rapidly on the Malekhu-Muglin section. The project has been removing loose rocks and soil from vulnerable slopes to reduce the risk of landslides and falling debris striking vehicles during the monsoon season.

Officials said the widened road is expected to make travel to and from Kathmandu significantly safer and more convenient once fully completed and brought into operation.