Alternative routes via Damauli offer relief to travellers stranded by Tuinkhola landslides

DAMAULI, TANAHUN: Alternative routes via Khairenitar and Damauli are providing vital relief to thousands of travellers stranded by recent landslides near Tuinkhola on the Muglin–Narayangadh road.

One key detour runs from Damauli to Dedgaun via Khairenitar in Tanahun. The Gandaki Province Government has been constructing this link as a flagship project to connect Mustang with Tarai, although it remains suitable only for small and light vehicles.

Local commuter Prakash Chandra Bhattarai, who used the Khairenitar route recently, said motorists could drive from Damauli through Khairenitar, then follow the Bhimad–Manpur road to reach Dedgaun, Bulingtar, Dhodeni and Gaindakot.

The full distances are: Muglin to Khairenitar, 70 km; Khairenitar to Bhimad (blacktop), 7 km; Bhimad to Manpur (dirt), 35 km; Manpur to Dedgaun (blacktop), 40 km; and Dedgaun to Narayangadh, 70 km.

Motorcyclists can also cross the suspension bridge from Damauli through Keshavtar, Sukhaura, Huslang and Dharampani to rejoin the Muglin–Narayangadh section, according to local resident Vijay Rana.

(With inputs from RSS)