POKHARA: Following repeated pressure from local residents, the Harichok–Yamdi road section in Pokhara has finally been expanded into a four-lane highway.

Upgraded over a period of four years, the widened road now boasts fresh blacktopping and clear lane markings, giving it an attractive and modern look.

The 2.2-kilometer stretch forms part of both the Bhupi Sherchan Highway and the Mid-Hill Highway. The prolonged construction delays had caused severe inconvenience to locals as well as commuters traveling to and from Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, and Mustang.

Protesting the slow progress, locals famously planted paddy on the muddy road on National Paddy Day on June 29, 2024.

Motidan Construction Sewa Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the upgrade contract on July 30, 2022 for Rs 480 million. Although the original contract stipulated a two-year completion deadline, the project was completed only after three deadline extensions.

After missing its August 2024 target, the deadline was initially extended to mid-April 2025.

The contractor was ultimately granted a final extension through mid-May 2026 to complete all work.

Photos: Arjun Gaha / Nepal Photo Library