KATHMANDU: The BP Highway, one of Nepal’s key roads, remains in a state of disarray nearly eight months after a massive flood in the Roshi River severely damaged it.
Despite its strategic importance, reconstruction work has yet to begin, and the road condition continues to deteriorate, causing growing concern among commuters and locals.
Even pre-monsoon rains are enough to turn the diversions in the highway into a dangerous route. With the onset of monsoon nearing, passengers and drivers are forced to navigate life-threatening conditions, risking accidents and further delays.
The section from Katuje to Barkhe Khola has been hit the hardest, with multiple segments completely destroyed. Frequent roadblocks and landslides make it nearly impassable. When the road is open, it’s often a treacherous journey, especially for larger vehicles.
Following the flood on the Roshi River in September 2024, only a makeshift road was constructed, which is now being eroded by river water during each bout of rainfall. In some places, the river has already started cutting into the road edges, adding to the instability.
According to local reports, a 13-kilometer stretch from Roshi Khola in Kavre to Nepalthok in Sindhuli has suffered the most damage. Of that, 8.5 kilometers of road were washed away completely, right down to the foundation. The rest of the stretch has multiple sections that are cracked, broken, or dangerously narrow.
Despite the clear urgency, no permanent reconstruction efforts have been undertaken. The lack of action has left residents and commuters frustrated and fearful of what lies ahead once the full monsoon hits.
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