KATHMANDU: The government has decided to partially close the Nagdhunga–Naubise–Malekhu road section for five hours a day to expedite ongoing construction works.
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport had recently held discussions with stakeholders after contractors reported that heavy and continuous traffic was preventing construction from progressing at the expected pace.
To address this, the District Administration Offices of Kathmandu and Dhading have jointly issued a notice announcing scheduled road closures.
From December 10 to December 16 , traffic will be halted daily from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM between Nagdhunga and Piplamode, as well as the Pokhrebhir area. Authorities have requested the public to use alternative routes during this period and to plan travel either before or after the closure hours.
The Tribhuvan Highway is currently being upgraded, with the Nagdhunga–Piplamode segment identified as a high-priority section due to its narrow width and the need for large construction machinery for blacktopping. The Galchhi–Gajuri stretch in Dhading is also narrow and hazardous, particularly at Pokhrebhir, where widening is necessary.
During closure hours, vehicles heading from Kathmandu toward Naubise will be stopped at the Nagdhunga check post. Traffic police will make arrangements to allow emergency vehicles—such as ambulances, security agency vehicles, fire engines, and hearses—to pass.
For vehicles traveling from Mugling to Kathmandu, designated holding points include Khanikhola (Naubise), Jungekhola (Thaakre), Galchhi, Baireni, and Mastaar along the Galchhi–Gajuri section. In urgent situations, small and medium vehicles may use alternative routes such as the Sitapaila–Bhimdhunga, Ramkot–Dharke, and Samakhusi–Tokha–Chhahare roads. According to the notice, all stopped vehicles will be allowed to move only after 3:30 PM.
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