KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 14 Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising has directed the contractor to expedite construction of the under-construction Muglin–Pokhara road, stressing timely completion and smooth traffic management. Inspecting the western section of the Prithvi Highway from Jamune to Pokhara on Sunday, the minister reviewed progress and pledged support to resolve project-related issues. According to the project office, physical progress has reached 59.76 percent, while financial progress stands at 47.80 percent. Project Chief Krishna Bahadur Kunwar said the first layer of asphalt has been completed on 37.4 km of the 48.88 km stretch in one direction. A four-lane asphalt road has been completed on 29.61 km, while two-lane asphalt has been laid on 7.79 km. Of the 12 bridges planned, 11 have been completed, with one bridge under construction over the Seti River. The office also reported that 65 of 66 culverts and 45.2 km of the targeted 51.5 km drainage have been completed. The Rs 7.40 billion project, contracted on May 17, 2021, is scheduled for completion by December 31. (With inputs from RSS)