Kathmandu, August 30

Motorbikes parked on the pavement outside auto workshops in Maitighar has forced pedestrians to walk on the road at the risk of being hit by vehicles.

About six auto workshops that repair motorbikes operate along the road in Maitighar.

The workshops have encroached on the pavement meant for pedestrians to make parking space for bikes that come for repair and servicing.

Hari Ram Acharya, 50, said, “I have to walk along this pavement everyday, and I am forced to walk on the dangerously busy road because of the bikes. The road barely has enough space for vehicles and buses stop haphazardly for passengers, adding to the danger.”

Another pedestrian Srijana Khadka said, “These workshops using public space as private property have added to traffic congestion. People are forced to walk on the road, blocking way for vehicles.”

Despite the close proximity of the area to a traffic police post, the police have not taken any action against the auto workshops.

Spokesperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan city Gyanandra Karki said the KMC has given the responsibility of overseeing the road to the Metropolitan Traffic Police. Karki said, “Nobody can use pavements for private purposes.

We are unaware about the workshops that are blatantly flouting this rule. We will take action against them as soon as possible.”