KATHMANDU: The BP Highway, which was damaged in 16 locations due to flooding from the Roshi River, is expected to reopen today (Friday), according to the Department of Roads.
Spokesperson Prabhat Kumar Jha said that repair work has been completed at nine sections of the highway, covering approximately 1,845 meters. The remaining seven damaged areas, totaling 1,997 meters, are still undergoing repairs, including the construction of temporary diversions.
“The flood damaged a total of 3,842 meters of the road. Repairs have been completed at Dalabesi (500m), Kaladhunga (410m), Narke (50m), Gimdibesi (50m), Char Saya Besi Ghumaune (80m), Katunje Ghumaune (300m), Chaukidanda (375m), and **Dapcha Bridge (80m),” said Jha.
Temporary diversion work is ongoing at Mamti (400m), Lower Pipley (220m), Upper Pipley (220m), Bokshikuna (200m), Chiusiwas (120m), Char Saya Besi (300m), and Upper Mamti (235m), according to Janak Bhatta, a representative of Nawa Kantipur Joint Venture.
Newly appointed Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, inspected the site on Thursday and directed authorities to restore traffic as quickly as possible. The BP Highway is a vital connection between Kathmandu Valley and the eastern districts.
The same highway was damaged by floods last year, and the temporary diversion built at that time was again washed away this year, leading to a full closure. The Bhaktapur Division Road Office has estimated damages at around Rs 30 million.
Currently, 16–17 heavy machines are being deployed to carry out the repair and reconstruction work.
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