ILAM: The alternative route to the Mechi Highway remains non-operational, even 10 days after the Ilam-Rajduwali section in Ilam Municipality-9 was blocked.
Authorities had planned to use the Tilkeni–Simalgolai road as a temporary route, but delays in its operation have caused ongoing hardship for passengers and transport operators.
Efforts are currently focused on enabling small vehicle movement by constructing a temporary diversion over the Jogmai River, which connects Namsaling (Maijogmai Rural Municipality-4) and Godak (Ilam Municipality-10).
However, high water levels and a shortage of hume pipes have stalled progress, according to Pawan Bhattarai, Chief of the Ilam Road Division.
“We’ve shifted our efforts from the Rajduwali area to the Jogmai River diversion,” Bhattarai said. “But due to a shortage of hume pipes, we expect a few more days of delay.”
A shipment of hume pipes has been ordered from Panchthar and is expected to arrive by Tuesday. Four excavators are currently mobilized for the construction work.
Following a field inspection with relevant stakeholders on Sunday, the District Administration Office, Ilam, decided to activate the Tilkeni–Simalgolai road as an alternative route. “We are coordinating efforts to open the road as soon as possible,” said Chief District Officer Nepal. “The Road Division is managing the technical aspects.”
The alternative route became necessary after a flood on Asoj 18 washed away a bailey bridge on the Ilam-Rajduwali road—completed just last year in Asar—cutting off traffic. The Tilkeni–Godak route is considered the most viable replacement to reconnect the Mechi Highway.
In the meantime, small vehicles have resumed limited operation on the Tilkeni–Bajradevi–Namsaling–Nayabazar–Fikkal route. However, no suitable detour has yet been identified for large or cargo vehicles. According to CDO Nepal, sharp turns and narrow roads are making it difficult for larger vehicles to pass.
For the past 10 days, Ilam district has remained disconnected from Jhapa and other neighboring districts due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.
The road blockage has disrupted passenger and freight movement across Ilam, Jhapa, Panchthar, and Taplejung. Road Division Chief Bhattarai noted that the rugged terrain continues to hinder immediate restoration efforts.
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