BHAKTAPUR: Continuous rainfall since last night has disrupted traffic on the Suryabinayak–Jagati section of the Araniko Highway in Bhaktapur, forcing authorities to enforce one-way traffic.
According to Pradeep Khatri, Chief of the Bhaktapur District Traffic Police Range, the road under construction leading from Suryabinayak to Kavrepalanchok via Jagati has been limited to one-way movement due to slippery and hazardous conditions caused by rain.
The delayed expansion of the highway into a six-lane road has worsened conditions on the Bhaktapur–Sanga stretch, prompting the enforcement of one-way traffic on the Araniko Highway for safety.
Only vehicles traveling from Kavre to Bhaktapur are currently permitted to enter from Sanga, as the risk of vehicles skidding has increased significantly.
Two-wheelers and light vehicles heading to Kavre are being diverted through the Jagati–Chyamhasing–Tathali–Nala route to reach Banepa, while heavy trucks from Bhaktapur to Kavre are being held at Sallaghari Chaur and Jagati.
Due to ongoing construction, even light rain makes the Sanga section muddy and dangerously slick. The road’s steep and slippery condition has led to vehicles—especially large ones—failing to climb and small vehicles slipping, according to traffic police.
Officials have blamed the hazardous situation on delays in roadwork and the lack of timely measures to address the risks during rainfall.
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