KATHMANDU, JUNE 16 Blacktopping work on the Muglin-Malekhu section of the Prithvi Highway is set to resume after the arrival of bitumen, ending a halt caused by a shortage of construction materials. According to Sachendra Mishra, Information Officer at the western section office of the Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project, preparations are underway to begin blacktopping from Hugdi to Jawang Khola. 'Thirty tonnes of bitumen have arrived, and blacktopping will begin from June 19,' he said. Initially, 700 metres of road will be blacktopped, while the project aims to pave three kilometres of the road section during the current month of Asar. Of the six bridges along the section, work on four, at Barbang, Mauwa, Khatauti and Gomati Khola, is in its final stage. Only road connection and blacktopping works remain to be completed. Overall physical progress of the project has reached 43 per cent. The Muglin-Malekhu section spans 38.86 kilometres and is being upgraded by Sharma-ZICG JV at a cost of Rs 4.81 billion. The World Bank-supported project covers one of the country's busiest highway sections, serving as the main gateway in and out of Kathmandu. Following the expiry of the original deadline on December 28 last year, the completion period has been extended by 183 days. (With inputs from RSS)