PARBAT: The Dobilla–Silmi–Thuli Pokhari–Khaula–Karkineta road section, which connects the district headquarters Kushma with the central part of Parbat, has become increasingly risky following prolonged negligence by construction contractors.
Despite being used daily by hundreds of vehicles as an alternative to the Pokhara–Baglung Highway, the lack of timely maintenance and construction work has severely inconvenienced commuters.
Soling stones along key stretches such as Pokhari Ghumti and Laukeko Ukalo have been removed but not replaced with gravel or other materials, leaving the road muddy and uneven.
As a result, students and patients have faced serious difficulties reaching schools and hospitals, while vehicles traveling through Thulipokhari are frequently stranded. With no proper alternative route, traffic movement has been further obstructed, particularly in uphill sections covered in mud.
Ward Chairperson of Kushma Municipality–12, Jhalak Prasad Rimal, said locals have been struggling because the construction company removed stones during the monsoon but failed to continue work afterward.
“We have repeatedly urged the contractor to address the issue, but they have ignored our requests and even resorted to verbal abuse,” he alleged.
Local transport entrepreneur Suresh KC said the poor condition of the road has made daily travel between Kushma and Pokhara extremely difficult. He added that construction entrepreneurs have faced threats when raising concerns about repairs.
Infrastructure Development Office Chief Santosh Aryal, responsible for the project’s construction and monitoring, said his office has repeatedly instructed the contractors to carry out urgent repairs.
“We have been urging immediate action, but the contractors have been negligent. Local communities and representatives must now exert pressure to ensure progress,” he stated.
With the soling layer removed, the risk of accidents has risen sharply, particularly for small vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Locals have called on authorities and the contractor to repair and manage the road immediately.
The Infrastructure Development Office has allocated Rs 58 million for the five-kilometer road upgrade under the current fiscal year 2080/81. The project was scheduled for completion within this year; however, only about 25 percent of the work has been completed so far.
The plan includes blacktopping, sloping, drainage installation, retaining wall construction, and protective netting, according to the District Infrastructure Office.
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