Seti Bridge Pushes Toward Deadline as Minister Lamsal Demands Faster Work in Kaski

Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has inspected the ongoing construction of the Seti Bridge in Kaski and urged project officials and contractors to wrap up the work within the extended deadline of March 5. The bridge is a critical part of the Pokhara-Mugling Highway Improvement Project Phase-1, making its completion a major milestone for travel and transport in Gandaki Province.

During the site visit on Monday, Lamsal was accompanied by Chief District Officer Rudra Devi Sharma and other stakeholders involved in the project. The inspection underscored the government’s renewed push to accelerate work on one of the region’s most important road infrastructure links.

A key link in a major highway upgrade

The Seti Bridge is not just another crossing. It is one of the signature structures tied to the broader Pokhara-Mugling corridor, a highway corridor that carries heavy traffic and serves as a lifeline for movement between Pokhara and central Nepal. News reports have indicated that the wider western section of the road project has already crossed the halfway mark, while bridge and culvert construction has also made notable progress.

Recent reporting has placed the Seti Bridge at around 57 percent completion, suggesting that the project is advancing but still requires steady momentum to meet the revised timeline.

Why the deadline matters

Project delays on major highway works can affect everything from local commuting to freight movement and tourism access. The Pokhara-Mugling route is one of western Nepal’s most important transport arteries, so completing the bridge on time would help reduce bottlenecks and improve reliability along the corridor.

Minister Lamsal’s instruction to finish by the extended deadline signals pressure on contractors to maintain pace and avoid further slippage. With the bridge forming a key component of the first phase of the highway improvement project, the government appears intent on preventing additional delays.

What comes next

The next phase will depend on how quickly remaining structural and finishing work can be completed under the extended schedule. The minister’s visit suggests closer oversight going forward, especially as stakeholders work to bring the bridge into service as part of the larger road upgrade.

For residents, drivers, and businesses that rely on the Pokhara-Mugling route, the project’s progress is more than a construction update. It is a measure of how soon the region may gain smoother, safer, and more efficient connectivity.