KATHMANDU: Heavy monsoon rainfall, river erosion, landslides and road collapses have disrupted several major highways and roads across the country, prompting Nepal Police to issue a travel advisory urging motorists and passengers to exercise caution.
Several key road sections remain completely blocked. The Prithvi Highway has been disrupted at Krishnabhir in Dhading, while the Araniko Highway is blocked at Ghattekhola in Sindhupalchok. The Phidim–Phalot road in Panchthar has also been rendered impassable.
Traffic along the BP Highway is operating under a controlled schedule, with vehicles allowed to pass in designated time windows. In Makwanpur, freight traffic has been diverted through alternative routes, while restrictions have been imposed at checkposts. Weight limits have also been introduced on vulnerable structures, including the Trikhandi Bailey Bridge, to reduce the risk of further damage.
Flooding along the Trishuli River has severely damaged sections of the Pasang Lhamu Highway, including areas connecting the road to the Rasuwagadhi border point. As a result, vehicles heading towards the border are being diverted through a narrow, single-lane dirt track passing through parts of Nuwakot and Rasuwa.
Traffic restrictions have also been introduced on several other routes. Night-time travel has been prohibited along the Tokha–Chhahare section, while vehicles on the Narayangadh–Mugling road are being stopped for two-hour periods alternately to facilitate slope-cutting and road improvement works.
In Manang, the Besisahar–Chame road has been temporarily closed due to ongoing concrete road construction.
Nepal Police has urged the public to postpone non-essential journeys wherever possible, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides, flooding and road collapses. Travellers using operational routes have been advised to follow traffic instructions, observe road restrictions and remain alert to changing weather and road conditions.
Comment