ILAM: The Ilam–Rajduwali road section in Ilam Municipality-9, part of the Mechi Highway, will remain closed for the foreseeable future following a series of landslides triggered by heavy rainfall on October 4.
According to authorities, the complex geological structure of the area is preventing immediate restoration. Chief District Officer Sunita Nepal stated that while continuous efforts are being made to clear the road, recurring landslides and road collapses have made the task extremely difficult. “We are working to reopen the road, but due to the unstable terrain, there is no immediate possibility of doing so,” she said.
The road closure has severely affected transportation in Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung districts, with both passenger and cargo movement disrupted for the past nine days.
In response, officials are identifying and preparing alternative routes for small vehicles. On Sunday, limited operations began via the Tilkeni–Bajradevi–Namsaling–Nayabazar–Fikkal route. Preparations are also underway to open the Tilkeni–Simalgo road section to small vehicles from Monday, said CDO Nepal.
“Diversion work began on Sunday across the Jogmai River on the Tilkeni–Simalgo road by the Road Division,” she added. “Small vehicles are likely to begin using this route starting Monday.”
However, no viable alternative has been found for large and cargo vehicles. According to officials, sharp turns and narrow stretches on both the Tilkeni–Bajradevi–Namsaling–Nayabazar–Fikkal and Tilkeni–Simalgo routes make them unsuitable for heavy traffic.
Meanwhile, the Road Division Office in Ilam has temporarily suspended reconstruction efforts on the Rajduwali section. Engineer Arjun Ghimire, Information Officer at the Road Division, explained that the decision was made due to the challenging terrain and the urgent need to deploy resources to alternative routes.
“We have tried to reopen the Rajduwali section, but so far without success,” Ghimire said. “Resources and manpower have now been redirected to alternative routes. Once that work is complete, we will resume reconstruction on the Rajduwali section.”
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