Floods and landslides block 10 highways nationwide, 158 partially operational

Kathmandu: Continuous rains have caused floods and landslides across the country, completely blocking 10 highways and rendering 158 highways partially operational, according to the Department of Roads. Traffic has been severely disrupted in various regions.

Acting Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh has instructed authorities to immediately reopen blocked roads. In a meeting on Sunday, he emphasized that citizens are facing significant difficulties due to road closures and directed officials to take urgent measures to restore movement.

Bhimarjun Adhikari, spokesperson for the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, stated that efforts are ongoing to clear blocked roads. “Excavation and improvement work are underway, but heavy rain and rising river levels are slowing progress,” he said.

Among the completely blocked highways are:

• Thori-Bhandara-Malekhu, Galchhi-Trishuli-Betravati-Mailung-Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi – blocked due to river erosion caused by floods from China on 14th Shrawan; clearance is being carried out using excavators and loaders.

• Jamunaha-Nepalganj-Kohalpur-Surkhet-Khulalu-Hilsa (Karnali Highway) – blocked due to increased flow in the Paima River; reopening will follow the receding of water levels.

• Rani-Biratnagar-Itahari-Dharan-Dhankuta-Hile, Leghuwaghat-Tumlingtar-Khandwari-Num-Kimathanka (Koshi Highway) – blocked as river diversion was washed away; reconstruction will proceed after water levels drop and slope work is completed.

• Chatara-Moolghat-Majhitar-Amarapurdanda-Ganeshchowk (Tamor Corridor) – blocked after the Rani Bailey Bridge, built by Remit Hydro, was washed away by floods on July 20; Remit Hydro is rebuilding the bridge.

• Chhinchu-Kudu-Jajarkot-Dunai-Dho-Tinje-Marim (Bheri Corridor) – blocked due to floods and landslides; clearance work is ongoing.

• Koilabas-Lamahi, Arjunkhola-Ghorahi-Holeri-Ghartigaun-Thwang-Lukum (Shahid Marg) – blocked, with clearance postponed until rains stop.

• Surkhet Lower Dungeshwor-Satkhamba-Dullu-Pipalkot-Khulalu-Manma-Nagma-Jumla – blocked by falling boulders and landslides; daytime operations are ongoing while night closures continue due to ongoing rockfall.

Authorities have reported that landslides and floods continue to hamper repair work, particularly in areas with ongoing rainfall. Clearance operations on roads such as the Chhinchu-Kudu-Jajarkot-Dunai-Dho-Tinje-Marim (Bheri Corridor) will resume once the rain ceases and river levels recede.

The Department of Roads continues to coordinate resources and machinery to reopen the affected highways as quickly as possible, ensuring safe transit for commuters.