Muglin-Pokhara Road Undergoes Safety Audit Amidst Rising Accidents

Kaski. A 'safety audit' has been initiated on the Prithvi Highway, which connects the tourist capital Pokhara and the federal capital Kathmandu, as accidents have increased. The 'safety audit' has been started keeping in mind the increasing traffic and accidents on the road section, which is undergoing upgrading, informed Krishna Bahadur Kunwar, Project Chief of the Muglin-Pokhara Road Project.< p>

The section is currently in the final stage of upgrading. Blacktopping has been completed on the four-lane road. "The road expansion and upgrading is in the final stage, and we have started a safety audit prioritizing the safety of road users. During the audit, the road's curves, intersections, bridges, signboards, dividers, streetlights, pedestrian movement, and accident-prone areas will be studied," said Project Chief Kunwar.< p>

It has been informed by the project that conducting a safety audit on the Muglin-Pokhara road and implementing its report on other roads is also mentioned in the government's 100-point action plan. Based on the report, additional safety measures, traffic signs, railings, speed control, and awareness arrangements will be made in necessary locations.< p>

The Muglin-Pokhara road is considered one of the busiest highways in the country. During the road expansion, passengers and drivers have been facing problems due to construction materials, dust, and temporary structures in some places. The 'safety audit' is being conducted as the risk of landslides and accidents increases with the onset of the monsoon.< p>

The road expansion and upgrading, which started five years ago in the western section of the Muglin-Pokhara Road Upgrading Project, has not yet been completed despite repeated extensions of the deadline. The 38.71-kilometer road section from Jamune in Tanahu to Setipul in Pokhara falls under the western section.< p>

The project's deadline was extended for the third time last December to June 15 next year. Currently, the physical progress of the project has reached 78 percent.< p>

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