Madi River Four-Lane Bridge Nears Completion as Nepal Pushes for Faster Highway Upgrades

Nepal’s long-awaited four-lane bridge over the Madi River in Tanahun is moving closer to completion, with the project now reported at 84 percent physical progress. Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal inspected the site on Sunday and instructed the contractor to finish the bridge within the agreed timeframe.

The bridge, which spans 315 meters and carries a construction cost of Rs 1.21 billion, is one of the most closely watched road projects on the Muglin-Pokhara corridor. Officials say the structure is designed to ease traffic flow in the Damauli area and strengthen one of Nepal’s key highway links.

A major milestone for the Prithvi Highway

According to earlier reporting, the Madi River bridge is being built as Nepal’s first four-lane bridge of its kind and is expected to become a significant upgrade for the Prithvi Highway network. The project includes six spans and a distinctive arch design, making it one of the most technically ambitious bridge works in the region.

The bridge is being constructed near the existing two-lane bridge, which has long served as a bottleneck for vehicles traveling through Tanahun. Once complete, the new structure is expected to improve traffic movement between Damauli Bazaar and Chapaghat in Byas Municipality.

Progress is accelerating

Project officials had previously reported steady gains in both physical and financial progress, with work advancing rapidly in recent months. The latest inspection suggests the construction is nearing its final stages, although the remaining work still needs to be completed within the project deadline.

The minister’s visit reflects growing pressure on infrastructure projects across Nepal to avoid delays and deliver visible results on time. For commuters and freight operators on the Muglin-Pokhara route, the bridge represents more than a construction milestone. It is a direct promise of smoother travel, reduced congestion, and better regional connectivity.

Why this bridge matters

The Madi River bridge is important not only because of its scale, but also because it sits on one of the country’s most strategic road corridors. The Muglin-Pokhara route links major economic and tourism centers, so every improvement along this stretch has a wider impact on trade, mobility, and daily life.

With 84 percent of the work already complete, the project now appears to be entering its final stretch. If the contractor meets the deadline, the bridge could soon stand as a major new landmark for Tanahun and a practical upgrade for thousands of road users.