TANSEN: The Palpa–Butwal section of the Siddhartha Highway, which was completely blocked due to continuous rainfall and multiple landslides, has reopened for one-way traffic as of Tuesday evening.
According to District Traffic Office Chief Pravin Acharya, the road became operational in one direction after the landslides in the Siddhababa area were cleared with support from China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
Three major landslides in Nagdanda, Dam Side, and Siddhababa along Tinau Rural Municipality-3 had fully obstructed the highway since Monday evening. Persistent rain had delayed clearance efforts, as falling rocks and debris continued to block the road.
“Due to ongoing rainfall and falling rocks from uphill, clearing the road was difficult. Now, efforts are underway to fully reopen both lanes,” Acharya said.
Earlier on Monday, temporary one-way traffic was allowed between intervals of landslides, but continuous rainfall in the evening led to a complete blockade. As soon as the rain stopped, bulldozers were deployed to reopen the route partially.
Traffic police warned that vehicles may be halted again if rainfall resumes and rocks fall from the hills. Dobhan Police Post has advised travelers to avoid non-essential travel during this risky period.
Vehicles traveling between Syangja, Pokhara, Baglung, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, and other districts were stranded after the road closure. They have now resumed their journey following the one-way reopening of the highway.
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