Kathmandu: As many as 24 new bridges are to be constructed over various streams and rivers along the Nagdhunga-Mugling stretch of the Prithvi Highway. The bridges will be of two-lane width. This section of the highway is in the process of expansion and improvement. There are 27 bridges along this section at present.

The Nagdhunga-Mugling Road Project said that of the existing 27 bridges, three are new and wide enough, so there is no need for building new bridges at these locations. According to the project, some of the old bridges will be repaired while others will be replaced by new ones.

Project Chief Kiran Karki said the construction of the bridges along the road on this section would be completed within three years. He said the road is being expanded to three-lane at most places and to four-lane where it passes through town areas.

This section of the highway from the Nagdhunga Police Checkpoint to Malekhu to Chitwan covers three districts, namely Kathmandu, Dhading and Chitwan. The road will be nearly 10 to 11 meters wide at most places.

It is the busiest road and the traffic is heavy most of the time on this section. The traffic congestion will be eased on this road once it is expanded and upgraded, and new bridges are constructed.