Mayor Balen Shah defends footpath expansion in New Road amidst protests

KATHMANDU, May 30: The Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Balendra Shah (Balen), has said that the people who think they should be allowed to park their vehicles on the road,  have been protesting against the expansion of footpaths  in the New Road area. 

Mayor Shah, in a social media status, wrote, “Covering more than three feet of footpath for parking  doesn’t make the road smaller for driving, but when the space is cleared and a footpath is built, how can it be that the road will be narrow for cars to drive on?”

He expressed his frustration, suggesting that the Department of Roads should review the standards they have set for roads with daily traffic of 100,000 people and up to 500,000 during peak seasons. He emphasized that the increase in footpaths was made to comply with these standards.  

Shah said, “If you want to take revenge, take it with those who stop the development, take it with those who write scientific things on paper and try to increase the commission in practice, if you stop the expansion of footpaths, the consequences will emerge sooner rather than later. Let’s hold accountable those responsible for the disorderliness of New Road, who think they can profit from parking in the future. If we are going to aim for development, let’s unite to make New Road more commercial and beautiful amidst changing times.”