KATHMANDU: Heavy rainfall has disrupted road transport across several districts, with major highways blocked by landslides and flood damage, while authorities have imposed night-time traffic restrictions on some routes due to safety concerns.
According to Nepal Police Headquarters, all types of vehicles have been barred from operating between 6 pm and 4 am on the Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunjebesi section of the BP Highway linking Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli.
Police said the restriction has been enforced because of the risk of flooding and will remain in place until further notice. Vehicles will be allowed to operate on the section only between 4 am and 6 pm.
Night-time traffic has also been suspended on Kantilokpath in Makwanpur from 5 pm to 5 am due to rain-related risks.
Several highways across the country have been completely blocked by landslides and road erosion.
The Mechi Highway has been closed after a landslide at Rajduwali in Ilam Municipality-9.
On the Arniko Highway, multiple sections in Jirokilo, Kodari and Liping of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchok have been blocked after road subsidence.
The Lamosanghu–Ramechhap road at Kirnetar in Tamakoshi Rural Municipality-5 of Dolakha has been cut off by erosion from the Sunkoshi River. Police said an alternative route has been opened through the premises of the Khimti Rural Electric Cooperative.
The Pasang Lhamu Highway has also been completely blocked after the Trishuli River eroded the road at Khalte in Uttargaya Rural Municipality-5 of Rasuwa.
Elsewhere, the Nagma–Gamgadhi road has been blocked at Talcha in Chhayanath Rara Municipality-7 of Mugu, while landslides have shut the Kaligandaki Corridor at Belbagar in Jaimini Municipality-8 of Baglung and at Litipiring in Nisdi Rural Municipality-1 of Palpa.
Other roads currently blocked include Kantilokpath at Pangdur in Bagmati Rural Municipality-3 of Lalitpur, the Mid-Hill Highway at Kandabazar in Bhume Rural Municipality-3 of Rukum East, the Beni–Jomsom road at Baiseri in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2 and Bhirkate in Annapurna Rural Municipality-7 of Myagdi, and the Maldhunga–Beni road at Kerabari in Jaljala Rural Municipality-7 of Parbat.
Police have urged the public to obtain the latest road condition updates from the relevant authorities before travelling and to remain alert, as the risk of landslides, flooding and road erosion remains high during the monsoon season.
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