Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by alizni
Travelers planning to navigate the crucial Prithvi Highway in Nepal must take note of temporary travel disruptions along the Malekhu-Mugling road stretch. Authorities have announced a brief, complete shutdown of vehicle movement along this vital corridor to facilitate essential infrastructure work. Specifically, the traffic stoppage is designated to allow construction crews to safely install pedestrian skybridge girders across the highway at Majhimtar.
As one of Nepal’s busiest arterial routes connecting Kathmandu with major western destinations such as Chitwan, Pokhara, and further regions, any disruption along the Prithvi Highway creates significant ripple effects for commuter buses, private vehicles, and cargo trucks. Understanding the exact schedule and purpose behind these temporary closures helps travelers plan their journeys more effectively, avoiding prolonged delays along the winding riverside highway.
Key Details of the Malekhu-Mugling Traffic Disruption
The Nagdhunga-Mugling Road Project (West Section) released an official notice regarding the temporary travel restriction. According to Sachendra Mishra, Information Officer for the project, vehicular movement along the Malekhu-Mugling section is strictly halted between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The primary reason for this two-hour shutdown is to position and secure heavy structural girders for an overhead pedestrian bridge in the Majhimtar area.
During this specified morning window, no vehicles—including two-wheelers, passenger buses, or heavy goods transports—are permitted to pass through the construction site. Transport authorities and local traffic police have deployed personnel along key control points to enforce the closure and maintain order. Travelers are strongly advised to align their travel schedules with this operational pause to avoid getting stuck in mid-transit traffic queues.
Importance of the Overhead Pedestrian Skybridge at Majhimtar
Majhimtar has grown into a bustling settlement along the highway, featuring residential clusters, local markets, and educational institutions. With continuous high-speed transit traffic passing through the settlement, pedestrian crossings have historically posed serious safety hazards for locals, school children, and daily commuters attempting to cross the busy highway.
The construction of an overhead pedestrian skybridge is a crucial safety upgrade designed to segregate foot traffic from high-speed vehicular flow. By installing durable structural girders, engineers are creating a safe, elevated crosswalk. Once fully operational, this skybridge will significantly reduce the risk of pedestrian-involved accidents, while simultaneously helping vehicles maintain smoother travel speeds without needing to slow down frequently for pedestrian crossings.
Impact on Travelers and Suggested Travel Strategies
Because the Prithvi Highway serves as the primary supply artery connecting the capital city with the rest of the country, temporary road closures often lead to long tailbacks stretching several kilometers along the Trishuli River basin. Passengers heading toward Pokhara, Narayangarh, or Kathmandu should anticipate potential delays and adopt smart travel strategies:
Adjusting Departure Times: Leaving early in the morning before 7:00 AM or planning departures after the midday reopening can help commuters bypass the 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM bottleneck.
Monitoring Official Traffic Alerts: Keep updated through official Nepal Traffic Police announcements and project updates to stay informed about potential extensions or changes in the work schedule.
Maintaining Safety in Queue Zones: Drivers caught in the waiting zones near Malekhu or Mugling are advised to park safely along designated roadside shoulders, avoid lane-cutting, and allow emergency services clear right-of-way.
The Broader Vision: Nagdhunga-Mugling Road Project Expansion
The current girder placement work in Majhimtar is part of the comprehensive Nagdhunga-Mugling Road Improvement Project. Supported by international development partners, this multi-phase infrastructure development aims to widen, smooth, and modernize the highway connecting the Kathmandu Valley to Mugling.
Key components of this major upgrade project include expanding narrow road sections, constructing dual-lane bridges, installing modern safety barriers, improving slope stabilization to mitigate landslide hazards, and building pedestrian infrastructure in populated market areas. While short-term traffic halts create temporary inconveniences for daily travelers, the long-term benefits include vastly improved travel times, enhanced highway capacity, and substantially higher safety standards across one of Nepal’s most critical transit corridors.
Conclusion
The temporary closure of the Malekhu-Mugling road section highlights the ongoing effort to upgrade national highway safety and infrastructure. Commuters and freight operators traveling along the Prithvi Highway are strongly encouraged to factor the two-hour morning shutdown into their travel itineraries. With patience and proper planning, travelers can navigate these vital development phases while supporting safer highway conditions for everyone in the long run.