The long-neglected Hartola–Satpuri road in Nainital district has finally been metalled, bringing relief to farmers and villagers who had struggled for years with a dangerous, rocky track. The project was sanctioned after the government took notice of the villagers’ repeated complaints and moved quickly to approve the work. The Public Works Department (PWD) completed the surfacing this year using cold mix bitumen, a cost-effective and eco-friendly method suited to Himalayan conditions.
A Road Once Filled with Obstacles For decades, the stretch was marked by jutting rocks, loose rubble from the mountains, and overgrown plants that covered almost half the road. In several places, only one vehicle could pass at a time, forcing drivers into long reverses on narrow bends. During the monsoon, the road turned muddy and treacherous, making it nearly impossible for farmers to move their harvests to market.
Before and After Truck driver Ramesh Rawat, who ferries fruits and vegetables to Haldwani, remembers the ordeal vividly. “Earlier, we would spend lot of time manoeuvring through the rough patches. Vehicles would break down frequently and loads got delayed. With the new road, travel is smoother, faster, and we save on fuel and repairs. It feels like a new lease of life for us drivers.”
Local Voices According to Joshi, a farmer from Hartola, the new road would transform farming economics: “We had almost given up hope that this road would ever be completed. Now, we can send our produce to the markets on time, without worrying about damage. For farmers like me, this is nothing short of a blessing.”
Visitor Harsh Bharadwaj, who owns a sedan, recalled his bitter experience before the road was improved: “When I drove up to Hartola in the monsoons to visit friends, my car’s chamber hit a rock sticking out of the road. All the engine oil spilled, and I had no choice but to tow the car all the way back to Haldwani. It was a nightmare. With the new surface, at least now small cars can travel without fear.”
A PWD official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the choice of technology was deliberate: “We chose cold mix bitumen because it works well in hilly areas. It requires no heating, which reduces costs and pollution, and the surface lasts longer in variable weather. Our aim was to give the villagers a durable road at lower expense. We’re glad to see the community satisfied.”
A New Chapter for Villagers For the residents of Hartola and Satpuri, the freshly metalled road is more than just a piece of infrastructure. It is a lifeline for market access, reduced transport costs, and renewed trust in government action. What was once a dreaded stretch of stones and mud has now become a smooth blacktop, symbolising progress and connectivity in the Kumaon hills.
