Road accidents have increased along the Muglin–Pokhara section of the Prithvi Highway following the ongoing road expansion work, despite improved traffic flow. According to the District Traffic Police Office, 62 people lost their lives in road accidents along the expanded stretch during Fiscal Year 2024/25.
Chief of the District Traffic Office, Krishna Bahadur Chand, reported that 90 accidents involving both small and large vehicles occurred in the past fiscal year, resulting in 62 deaths. Among the deceased were 35 men, 22 women, two boys, and three girls. In addition, 76 people sustained serious injuries, while 43 suffered minor injuries.
Chand noted a concerning trend: “The rising number of accidents involving large tourist buses appears to have contributed to an increase in fatalities in the district. While the overall death toll is a nominal rise compared to previous years, the sudden increase in the number of accidents after the road upgrade raises serious concerns.”
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According to traffic statistics, the accidents involved 41 motorcycles, 16 buses, 14 jeeps and cars, seven trucks and tankers, five tippers, four tractors, and three microbuses.
In comparison, 39 people were killed and 101 injured in 50 reported accidents during Fiscal Year 2023/24. In Fiscal Year 2022/23, 52 fatalities were recorded along with 63 injuries from road accidents.
Chand said that while the road has become smoother and travel more convenient after the expansion, the rate of accidents—and consequently fatalities—has also increased. He attributed the rise in accidents to drivers' unfamiliarity with the road, particularly the curves and turns in the 72-kilometer Muglin–Pokhara stretch.
“Although the road has been widened, but the curves are the problem. Many passengers and drivers, especially those traveling through Tanahun for the first time, are unaware of these bends, which increases the risk of accidents,” he added.
Chand stressed the need for increased caution among road users, especially while navigating curves along the newly expanded highway. -- RSS