By Ekraj Giri
Pokhara, June 7: It has been more than a month that the authorities imposed restriction order following the rise in COVID-19 cases. Utilising the restriction order, Pokhara Metropolitan City along with development authorities have repaired its roads with ‘asphalt method of pavement’.
Asphalt pavement provides a smoother surface that reduces damage to the pavement, necessitating fewer repairs and also improves fuel efficiency and reduces wear and tear on vehicles, making the choice for asphalt a great economical decision. This method is being used globally for constructing better roads lately.
The metropolis stated that it cost Rs. 370 million to construct the major road of Pokhara with asphalt concreting. The roads are being constructed under three sections.
The first section runs from Rastra Bank Chowk towards Ratna Chowk, Zero kilometre and Prithvi Chowk. This is being constructed under Road Division Office, Pokhara for which it provided Rs. 110 million. It is being overseen by Rautaha PK JV, a construction company.
Similarly, the second section is from Mustang Chowk, Sahid Chowk, Barahighat, Lakeside, Halanchowk, Jarebar to Zero kilometre. This is being constructed by Gandaki Province Infrastructure Development Office. It provided Rs. 90 million for the project.
Likewise, the third section runs from New Road, Siddhartha Chowk, Chipledhunga, Mahendrapul, Ranipauwa to Amar Singh Chowk. It further extends from Mahendrapul towards Nadipur, Bagar and KI Singh Chowk. Pokhara Metropolis has provided Rs. 170 million for this project.
The authorities have also started colouring the roads alongside marking traffic signs in places where the concrete work has been completed. Meanwhile, authorities are waiting in some sections as the work of placing water pipelines underground is underway.
The construction, repair and beautification of the roads has drawn praise to authorities from the locals.
“It has been 18 years that I have been driving vehicles on the roads of Pokhara. There were always problems of potholes which increased over time but now the potholes are all repaired properly. Moreover, driving on asphalt pavement roads feels far smoother,” said Bhoj Bahadur Gayak, a local of Pokhara.
Nevertheless, Gayak stated that it was one of the few good works that the local level performed over the years and requested authorities to always work with similar dedication.
The experience of Gayak is similar to many in Pokhara. Krishna Prasad Subedi, a motorcyclist from Parbat, remembers the time when he had to ride zigzag to prevent getting into potholes.
“I had once met with an accident while trying to prevent from going over a pothole. But now the road seems totally different, smooth and safe for riding my motorcycle,” said Subedi.
The locals suggested the authorities to continue working in betterment of developing the society.