Nighttime vehicle ban imposed on Besisahar–Chame Road, Mid-Hill Highway

LAMJUNG: Authorities have imposed a nighttime ban on vehicle movement along the Besisahar–Chame Road and a section of the Mid-Hill Highway in Lamjung from today, citing an increased risk of landslides and other monsoon-related hazards.

A meeting of the Lamjung District Security Committee on Monday decided to prohibit the operation of all non-essential vehicles during nighttime until mid-Ashad to minimize potential loss of life and property caused by this year’s monsoon disasters.

Assistant Chief District Officer Thamman Singh Gautam said vehicle movement has been banned on the Besisahar–Chame Road, from Besisahar to the Manang district border, between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am daily.

Likewise, vehicle movement has been restricted on the Bimire Bhanjyang section of the Sundarbazar–Bhorletar road along the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am each day.

He said essential vehicles will be allowed to operate during the restricted hours. The District Administration Office, Lamjung, announced the decision and apologized for the inconvenience caused to the public.

Gautam said the restriction was introduced in view of forecasts of heavy rainfall beginning today. He added that the measure aims to reduce the risk of accidents, as landslides are common during the monsoon season.

The stretch from Besisahar to the Manang district border at Myardi Khola is about 35 kilometres, while the total distance from Besisahar to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, is approximately 65 kilometres. The road serves residents of both Lamjung and Manang and is the only road link between the two districts.

Every monsoon, landslides at multiple locations frequently block the road, disrupting travel for extended periods. During prolonged closures, local residents have often been forced to rely on helicopter services.

Similarly, the Lamjung section of the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway, stretching 48 kilometres from Rainas Municipality to the border with Madhya Nepal Municipality and Kaski District, is also prone to landslides.

The Bimire Bhanjyang area in Madhya Nepal Municipality-10 is particularly vulnerable, with frequent landslides causing repeated road blockages.

The highway is an important route for residents of Lamjung and Manang travelling to Pokhara.