Kaski: Pokhara Metropolitan City and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are set to collaborate on urban infrastructure development and improved livelihood projects. They also aim to explore opportunities for sustainable tourism development in the city. The discussions took place during a meeting between Mayor Dhanraj Acharya of Pokhara Metropolitan City and ADB's Executive Director, Wan Farisan bin Wan Sulaiman.

Under the Regional Urban Development Project, road security measures, road upgrades, and drainage system improvements are planned for the city. The ADB will provide economic assistance to various projects in Pokhara, including the upgrade of the road section from Sahid Chowk to Pokhara International Airport. Additionally, a 13-kilometer road from Damdate to Bhanjyang will be blacktopped as part of the Panchase Ecosystem Development and Access Project.

Further projects include the enhancement of road infrastructure, the establishment of service points, the promotion of homestays, and the preservation of the Gurung Museum. An 85-kilometer-long cycle track connecting the 18 wards of the metropolitan city is also planned.

The Phewa Lake Improvement Project will involve settlement management, water spring protection, and the construction of amenities such as toilets, water fountains, cycle parking, and cycle stands with service points.

The Raniban Eco-trail and Phewa Lake Improvement Project will create an eco-trail from Raniban connecting the Peace Stupa and Phewa Lake rim. It will include public amenities such as resting places, toilets, information boards, and temple renovations.

A Shanti Banbatika Botanical Garden will be constructed, along with the conservation of Pokhara's old heritage, upgrading artistic buildings, and temples in the traditional architectural style. The Ramkrishna Tol locality will be developed as the Pokhara Heritage Site.

Discussions between the ADB team and Mayor Acharya covered these projects and more. Mayor Acharya expressed a commitment to completing the projects within the designated timelines.

ADB will invest 75% of the total project cost, with Pokhara Metropolitan City contributing the remaining 25%.