KATHMANDU: The government has earmarked Rs three billion for the maintenance and repair of major and strategic roads and highways across the country before the Dashain festival.
This budget will be used for the maintenance, upgrading, and filling of potholes on major roads under the Road Department of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
Ministry Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma informed Khabarhub that the allocation specifically targets pothole repairs and road maintenance before Dashain.
He highlighted that the funds are intended to address the urgent need for repairs on national highways in preparation for the festival.
Recent continuous rains have worsened the condition of roads and highways nationwide.
Floods, landslides, and incomplete road construction projects have led to blocked roads and hazardous conditions, complicating travel.
The Road Department plans to repair and fill potholes on key highways including the East-West Highway, BP Highway, Araniko Highway, Prithvi Highway, Hulaki Highway, and Madhyapahari Highway.
To address these issues, the budget will facilitate repairs on approximately 6,000 kilometers of road.
“Before Dashain, the repair and pothole-filling work on highways across the country is progressing with Rs 3 billion allocation,” Sharma said.
The Ministry plans to repair and upgrade roads in anticipation of major festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath.
Many road sections in the Kathmandu Valley and beyond have become impassable due to deteriorating conditions.
The government aims to improve these roads to ensure smoother travel during the festival season.
During Dashain, millions of people from Kathmandu and other cities return to their villages to celebrate.
The National Federation of Transport Professionals estimates that around two million people will depart from Kathmandu based on advance ticket bookings.
As Dashain approaches, travel has increased, but continuous rain has led to road obstructions and one-way traffic in some areas.
The completion of road construction projects has also been delayed, heightening the risk of accidents during the festival.
The Department of Roads reports that, out of 594 roads, 14 are currently blocked and 307 are operating as one-way roads. Key highways, including Madhyapahadi (Midhill Highway), are in critical condition.
The road expansion work on the Nagadhunga-Muglin stretch, a vital route out of Kathmandu, remains incomplete.
This stretch is heavily trafficked during the festival, and its condition has deteriorated with large potholes and removed black sheets.
The Department is working to address these issues, though two-way traffic is not possible in some sections.
Similarly, the expansion of the Muglin-Pokhara road is ongoing, with the section from Damauli to Pokhara also facing significant challenges.
Furthermore, the extension work on the Narayangadh-Butwal road section remains incomplete, particularly in the southern and Bardghat areas, which are in poor condition.
The Road Department plans to repair and fill potholes on key highways including the East-West Highway, BP Highway, Araniko Highway, Prithvi Highway, Hulaki Highway, and Madhyapahari Highway.
The Department undertakes road maintenance and upgrades throughout the year, but additional budget allocations are made during festivals to manage increased travel demands.
In addition to these repairs, over 15,000 kilometers of roads are currently being maintained and expanded, according to the Department.
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