KATHMANDU: The Harichok–Yamdi road section in Pokhara has finally been upgraded to a four-lane roadway following repeated protests and pressure from local residents over prolonged construction delays.
The 2.2-kilometre stretch, completed after nearly four years, is now open to traffic with blacktopping, lane markings and other necessary infrastructure in place.
The road is a key section of both the Bhupi Sherchan Highway and the Mid-Hill Highway. Delays in the project had caused significant inconvenience not only to residents of Pokhara but also to travelers commuting to and from Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi and Mustang districts.
Frustrated by the slow pace of construction, locals staged a symbolic protest on National Paddy Day on June 29, 2024, planting rice on the unfinished road to draw attention to the issue.
Motidan Construction Service Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the Rs 480 million contract on July 29, 2022, with an agreement to complete the project within two years. However, the deadline was extended three times after the work failed to finish on schedule.
The project was initially scheduled for completion by August 2024 but was later extended until the end of April 2025. A final deadline of the end of May 2026 was subsequently set, though the contractor completed the work before the revised deadline.
With the road expansion now complete, authorities expect smoother traffic flow, improved road safety and more efficient connectivity between Pokhara and western districts.
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