KATHMANDU: The government said it will immediately construct a temporary structure to reopen the Prithvi Highway, which has been disrupted by the Krishna Bhir landslide.
At the same time, authorities said they will study the feasibility of constructing a tunnel or bypass road as a long-term solution to the recurring landslide problem.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure Sunil Lamsal said discussions were held on measures to restore traffic along the Prithvi Highway and address the disruption through both immediate and long-term solutions.
A meeting held at the ministry decided to construct the necessary temporary structure to resume vehicle movement and restore the supply chain to the capital. Under the plan, vehicles will operate through a section supported by a gabion breast wall on the hillside.
The meeting also agreed to explore the possibility of opening a new track from the top of Krishna Bhir to restore road connectivity.
For the immediate reopening of the highway, a track will be opened, gabion boxes will be installed, and boulders will be placed along the hillside as necessary. Meanwhile, the Department of Roads will conduct technical studies on long-term measures, including tunnel construction, soil nailing, sheet piles, and other slope-stabilization options.
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure will immediately assess the feasibility of a tunnel or bypass road and take the necessary steps to establish an alternative route by the end of the current fiscal year.
The Nepal Geotechnical Society will provide technical expertise for the study. An agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with the Department of Roads as required to facilitate the technical assessment.
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