Pokhara Baglung Highway Potholes: Urgent Danger on Mid-Hill Route
Pokhara Baglung Highway Potholes
6th November 2025, Kathmandu
The Pokhara–Baglung section of the Mid-Hill Pushpalal Highway has reached a critical state of disrepair, presenting increasing dangers to drivers and commuters.
Pokhara Baglung Highway Potholes
Deep potholes, damaged shoulders, and collapsed sections across Kaski and Parbat districts are making travel exceptionally hazardous.
This crucial arterial route connecting the tourism hub of Pokhara to neighboring districts now faces severe safety challenges. The constant threat of accidents demands immediate and decisive action from responsible authorities.
The worsening condition, marked by extensive Pokhara Baglung Highway Potholes, disrupts daily life and threatens regional connectivity.
Drivers navigating the route report that the road conditions significantly worsen day by day. Sections of the road have entirely collapsed, while numerous large pits pose a continuous and unavoidable risk.
Transport operators and commuters alike emphasize that smooth and safe travel is now impossible, particularly given the heavy traffic volume carried by this main route.
Disruption and Environmental Concerns
The heavily damaged infrastructure creates more than just a safety issue; it also threatens the quality of life for residents along the highway. Locals express serious fears regarding the approaching dry season.
Without prompt maintenance, the severe deterioration will undoubtedly lead to major dust problems, negatively affecting health and air quality for nearby communities.
Furthermore, the compromised state of this road directly impacts the tourism industry. The Pokhara-Baglung stretch serves as a vital artery for tourists traveling to and from Pokhara, one of Nepal’s premier travel destinations.
The persistent travel disruptions and increased journey times cast a negative shadow over the visitor experience, potentially hindering the region’s recovery efforts.
Bureaucratic and Logistical Roadblocks
The Road Division Office in Pokhara confirms that they recognize the severity of the situation. Officials have taken initial steps by awarding maintenance contracts to Shivalaya Construction Services.
However, the progress of urgent repair work has been significantly hampered. Officials cite the combination of prolonged post-monsoon rainfall and the extended festival holiday breaks (Dashain and Tihar) as key reasons for the operational delays.
Sub-Engineer Lokesh Paudel from the Pokhara Road Division Office acknowledges that last year’s monsoon already caused extensive damage, and this year’s conditions have simply compounded the problem.
The public, however, maintains that authorities must actively prioritize and accelerate these maintenance works immediately.
Budget Constraints Limit Full Restoration
While repairs are imminent, officials admit that budgetary constraints present a major hurdle to comprehensive restoration efforts. The limited maintenance funds mean that the Road Division Office cannot afford to fix all damaged sections simultaneously.
The immediate focus, therefore, will be placed on addressing only the most critical areas. Officials promise to take all necessary measures to expedite the available repair work.
However, this limited scope highlights a deeper, systemic problem within infrastructure management: insufficient annual budget allocation for maintaining national assets like the Mid-Hill Pushpalal Highway.
Full restoration requires a more substantial and planned financial commitment from the federal government.
Call for Immediate Action and Accountability
The ongoing crisis on the Pokhara-Baglung road serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for timely infrastructure maintenance.
Delaying repairs unnecessarily elevates the risk of avoidable accidents, imposes significant costs on vehicle operators, and undermines regional economic activities, particularly tourism.
Commuters and local stakeholders are urgently calling upon the concerned authorities—the Road Division Office, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and the contracted firm, Shivalaya Construction—to accelerate their efforts. Only swift, coordinated action can ensure safer, smoother journeys for the millions who rely on this essential highway.
For more: Pokhara Baglung Highway Potholes
