The expansion and upgradation works for the Pokhara-Baglung section of the Mid-Hill highway project has been expedited to tackle the heavy traffic which could become a problem for motorists and daily commuters.

Of the 1,095 km-long Mid-Hill highway project, the 61-km section of the road in the western Nepal has been accorded priority considering the high traffic, said Surya Bhat, project chief of Western Region section of the Mid-Hill highway project. 

“Majority of the road sections that lie in the Western Region are in working condition,” said Bhat. “But, due to large number of traffic in Pokhara-Baglung, we have prioritised this portion of the road.”

The construction of a four-lane road connecting Yamdi bridge of Kaski with Hemja Phedi and service lanes at both sides of the road is underway. Apart from this, expansion of the section connecting Hemja Phedi with New bridge of Pokhara is also going on by dividing the section into two parts. The expanded section will be black topped with drainage and retention wall on both sides.

Similarly, a contract for the portion of road linking New Bridge of Pokhara with border of Parbat and Baglung has been awarded. “The contract has been awarded with a completion deadline of three years,” said Bhat. 

Earlier, the regional office of the Department of Road was undertaking the maintenance of the road. However, since April, the project office of Mid-Hill highway has been tasked with the responsibility of the construction. 

The upgradation of 35km-long section of the road of the western part of the highway has been completed, according to western office of Mid-Hill highway at Dang. Out of the 204km-long section that lies in Parbat and Baglung, the project has also prioritised a 199km-long section that lies in Baglung as the traffic congestion has increased in the section due to rise in inflow of tourists visiting various tourist destinations including Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. 

Although the construction of the Mid-Hill Highway started eight years ago, work has only picked up recently.

The 1756km-long highway will extend along the length of the country from Chiyo Bhanjyang, Panchthar district in the east to Jhulaghat, Baitadi district in the west.

The national pride project includes nearly 1000km of old roads while 756 km will be on newly opened track.

The project is estimated to cost more than Rs 43 billion.