Pokhara, 28 November| The upgrade work on the Harichok-Yamdi section of the Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway, a national pride project connecting Panchthar to Jhulaghat in Baitadi, is nearing completion in the Pokhara area. According to Engineer Kiran Subedi of the Mid-Hill Highway Project Office Parbat, approximately 90% of the construction work on this section is finished, with the project now in the final phase of blacktopping and finishing touches. This development is expected to significantly ease the movement of passenger and cargo vehicles traveling between Pokhara and the western region via Baglung.
Engineer Subedi confirmed that only about 10% of the work remains, including the installation of railings, barriers, and road safety measures. The initial two-year contract with Motidan Construction Service Pvt. Ltd., signed on July 30, 2022 (B.S. 2079 Shrawan 14), faced delays due to the construction company’s slow pace and technical issues such as the relocation of electricity and water pipes. Consequently, the deadline was extended twice, and a third extension was granted until mid-May 2026 (B.S. 2083 Baisakh Masanta). Despite the extensions, Engineer Subedi is confident that the work will be completed well before the final deadline, attributing the progress to continuous follow-up from the office and cooperation from locals and elected representatives. Local residents, who have long suffered from dust and mud issues, are now excited about the completion of the wide and improved road. This completed section will benefit not only the citizens of the western region but also those in the four districts of the former Dhaulagiri zone and the northwestern part of Kaski.
