ILAM: The Rajduwali landslide section in Ilam along the Mechi Highway has continued to pose a severe challenge to transportation in eastern Nepal, with authorities describing it as the most vulnerable and risky stretch of the vital corridor linking Jhapa’s Charali to Taplejung’s Phungling.
The 268-kilometre Mechi Highway, considered the lifeline of eastern Nepal, frequently faces disruptions at Rajduwali in Ilam Municipality-9, where recurring landslides and unstable geology have made the area highly unpredictable. Locals say the road surface can sink or collapse within hours, making travel extremely hazardous.
Following continuous rainfall in mid-October last year, the highway remained blocked for nearly a month, causing significant human and physical losses across eastern districts. The government had even declared Ilam a disaster-affected zone for three months due to widespread damage to infrastructure, including alternative roads and bridges, severely affecting relief operations.
According to the Road Division Office Ilam, efforts are underway to stabilise the area and upgrade the road section.
“Since this is a long-standing landslide-prone area, a maintenance contract had already been prepared, but the landslide worsened during construction. We are now working after stabilising the slope,” said office chief Pawan Bhattarai.
He said a Rs 250 million contract has been signed to widen and blacktop the Rajduwali and Harkate–Jorkalash stretch (around 15 km), with completion targeted for Asar next year.
Bhattarai added that the project includes construction of gabion and RCC retaining walls, although progress has been repeatedly affected by continuous slope failure and traffic flow that cannot be stopped.
“About 30 percent of the RCC wall work has been completed, but constant soil movement from above is narrowing the road. The situation worsens during rainfall,” he said, adding that there is a risk of similar disruptions repeating this year.
Local residents say the lack of a legal alternative route has further complicated the situation. Ilam resident Niraj Khadka said restrictions on rerouting the highway have increased public hardship.
He added that landslides continue due to ongoing rainfall, while heavy vehicles carrying essential goods such as food and gas are often restricted, leaving only limited transport options operational.
Authorities are also working on alternative routes, including sections under the Mechi Corridor (Kechana–Kanchanjunga road). Construction of temporary Bailey bridges is underway at key damaged points, including Belase and Puwa Khola.
Officials said a Bailey bridge at Belase, costing around Rs 11 million, could come into operation within a week, while another 70-metre bridge at Puwa Khola—being constructed with Indian assistance—is also in progress, though delayed due to logistical issues.
Bhattarai said coordination with the Indian side is ongoing for the supply and installation of bridge components, which are expected to take several weeks.
He also warned that the Rajduwali section remains highly sensitive due to its fragile geology, where even moderate rainfall can trigger further landslides, making long-term stability a continuing challenge for the Mechi Highway.
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