Landslides block seven highways, partially affect 12 across Nepal

KATHMANDU: Continuous rainfall has completely blocked seven major highways and partially affected 12 others across Nepal, Department of Roads (DoR) said on Tuesday, after floods and landslides hit several districts.

The DoR said 51 previously blocked road sections have reopened following repairs, and teams are working to clear the remaining routes as quickly as possible. Bulldozers, excavators and loaders have been deployed to affected locations to speed up clearance and repair work.

Nepal Police reported that Kanti Highway in Lalitpur, Mechi Highway in Ilam, Diktel-Bhojpur section in Khotang, Jurikhola in Bhote Koshi Rural Municipality-4, the road to Tatopani in Sindhupalchok, and Araniko Highway at Kodari in Bhote Koshi-2 are completely blocked by landslides.

Several roads are operating under restrictions. The Mid Hill Highway at Bokhim in Bhojpur Municipality-5 and Pasang Lhamu section in Rasuwa are open to one-way traffic. Vehicle movement on the BP Highway between Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli has been suspended at night due to flood risk, with operations permitted from 4:00 am to 6:00 pm, depending on conditions. Night-time movement has also been halted on Kanti Highway in Makawanpur.

Department spokesperson Shyam Bahadur Khadka urged travellers to check the latest road conditions with relevant authorities before setting out. "Travel only after obtaining information about the latest road conditions from the relevant authorities," he said.

The DoR said it is monitoring vulnerable roads throughout the monsoon period and has personnel and equipment on standby to restore blocked routes as soon as possible.

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