MYAGDI: A landslide in Sirubari, located in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2 of Myagdi district, has disrupted transport services along the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, a key section of the Kaligandaki Corridor.
The Beni–Jomsom road, which connects the trans-Himalayan tourist destination of Mustang to the national highway through Raghuganga and Annapurna Rural Municipalities, also serves as an important trade route linking China and India.
The landslide, which occurred between the Kaligandaki River and Majhakharka in Bhagawati, has severely hampered traffic flow. According to transport operator Bhoj Bahadur Thapa, landslides in both Sirubari and Khambhitta areas have made road operations increasingly difficult.
“Even with normal rainfall, the road becomes blocked by landslides, forcing vehicles to navigate through narrow, muddy, and dangerous stretches,” Thapa said. “Stones fall from above as vehicles move and passengers walk, causing injuries and damage.”
The affected landslide area is approximately 800 meters high and 200 meters wide, directly above the Kaligandaki River. It poses significant risk to nearby settlements, especially in Majhakharka. Large cargo containers using the Korala border checkpoint also rely on this route, amplifying the disruption.
Passenger buses and vehicles traveling to and from Mustang are frequently stuck at the landslide site. “The road is too narrow for two-way traffic, leading to constant jams,” said Balman Gauchan, a ward member of Raghuganga Rural Municipality-1.
Sirubari and Khambhitta have recorded the highest number of road blockages this monsoon season. In response, the Beni–Jomsom–Korla Road Project has stationed bulldozers and loaders near the landslide site to maintain traffic flow. Engineer Bishnu Chapagain, who has been overseeing landslide clearance efforts throughout the rainy season, stated that two-way traffic will be restored once the rainfall stops and the debris is fully cleared.
“A detailed study is underway to address the recurring landslide problem in Siruwari,” Chapagain said. “For now, we are managing transport operations through immediate repairs.”
Chapagain also mentioned that preparations are in progress to sign contracts for landslide prevention works in Chamere, Baisari, Guithebhir, and Latakhola, as well as road-sloping measures in the landslide-prone Rupse area of the Beni–Jomsom road.
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