KATHMANDU: The recent spate of natural disasters, driven by relentless rainfall, has inflicted approximately Rs 25 billion in damage to road infrastructure.
Of this, an estimated Rs 3 billion is needed for temporary repairs of affected roads and bridges, while full reconstruction costs could reach Rs 20-25 billion.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, detailed the impact of flooding and landslides that occurred on September 27-28.
He noted that efforts are underway to temporarily restore affected roadways and highways.
The disasters impacted 34 highways across 805 locations, with debris from landslides cleared from 774 sites so far.
Traffic has resumed on 29 highways, and initiatives are ongoing to reopen services at 31 locations across five major highways.
Minister Dahal emphasized that in some areas, simply clearing landslide debris is not enough to reopen services; additional measures such as support walls, Hume pipes, and temporary Bailey bridges are required.
The Larcha-Kodari section of the Araniko Highway was notably affected, with both the Liping Bridge and the Larcha-based Bailey Bridge swept away by floods.
Plans are in place to address the situation temporarily using Hume pipes and penstock pipes, along with constructing a makeshift bridge at Liping.
The government is committed to exploring all available options for temporarily restoring traffic.
The Dolalghat-Rakdhum section of the Pushpa Lal (Mid Hill) Highway has also suffered, with landslides affecting an 80-kilometer stretch. Efforts are focused on clearing landslides to allow vehicles to enter Kathmandu from Bardibas via the Dolalghat route.
Additionally, a 13-kilometer stretch at Ghapeli-Baguwa of the Kanti Highway has been disrupted, including access to the Bagmati Bridge.
The Minister assured that temporary repairs will be prioritized to restore vehicle movement.
On the Mechi Highway, debris removal is ongoing at Ramitedanda, while a temporary diversion is being constructed at Hewa Khola to facilitate traffic.
Plans include building a 17-meter Bailey bridge at Liping and 45-meter and 50-meter bridges at various locations along the Araniko and BP highways, respectively.
A 110-meter bridge at Sunkoshi Phoksingtar along the Sagarmatha Highway was also washed away, prompting the ministry to initiate its reconstruction.
Furthermore, a 15-meter Bagmati bridge and a 35-meter bridge at Ratekhola in Ilam have been identified for repair.
The Ministry has assured effective coordination between the federal government and provincial/local authorities for the repair and maintenance of damaged roads.
Minister Dahal stated that the Ministry and Transport Management Division are taking steps to manage and restore transport services, having engaged in discussions with various stakeholders impacted by the disasters.
Additionally, a letter has been sent to the Home Ministry requesting immediate assistance and relief for passengers and transport workers stranded due to the disaster.
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