KATHMANDU: Floods and landslides triggered by continuous rainfall have brought road transport across Nepal to a near standstill, with 12 major highways completely blocked and 160 others operating only partially, according to the Department of Roads.
Among the highways shut down are the Thori–Bhandara–Malekhu section, the Galchi–Trishuli–Betrawati–Mailung–Syaphrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road, and the Jamunaha–Nepalgunj–Kohalpur–Surkhet–Khilalu–Hilsa route along the Karnali Highway.
In eastern Nepal, the Rani–Biratnagar–Itahari–Dharan–Dhankuta–Hile stretch and the Leguwaghat–Tumlingtar–Khandbari–Num–Kimathanka section of the Koshi Highway are fully obstructed. Authorities said a diversion over the Barun River was swept away, while the Chatara–Mulghat–Majhitar–Amarapurdanda–Ganeshchok route along the Tamor Corridor has also been cut off.
The Department further confirmed that the Chhinchu–Kudu–Jajarkot–Dunai–Dho–Tinje–Marim section of the Bheri Corridor is closed, as are stretches of the Koilabas–Lamahi road, the Arjunkhola–Ghorahi–Holeri–Ghartigau–Thawang–Lukum section of Shahid Marg, and the Surkhet–Tallo Dungeshwor–Satakhamba–Dullu–Pipalchowk–Khilalu–Manma–Nagma–Jumla road.
The Araniko Highway connecting Kathmandu–Dhulikhel–Dolalghat–Khadi Chaur–Kodari has also been obstructed due to ongoing road construction works.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Bhimarjun Adhikari, said efforts are underway to clear debris and restore traffic flow on all blocked highways as quickly as possible.
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