BP Highway Remains Closed Due to Rain; Alternative Routes Used to Operate Vehicles

The BP Highway has been completely blocked since 4 PM on Friday afternoon due to diversions being washed away by heavy rains. Police Inspector Ishwar Karki informed that reopening the highway remains challenging even as of Sunday evening. Vehicles stranded in Mangaltar, Bhakunde, Kabre Bhanjyang, and Dhulikhel areas have begun to be operated via alternative routes. Due to the heavy rainfall on Saturday, multiple diversions collapsed, leading to the full obstruction of the BP Highway. Police sources state that it will take time to reopen the highway, which has been closed since 4 PM on Saturday.

Inspector Ishwar Karki, Chief of the District Police Office in Mangaltar, expressed concerns that the road might remain closed until Sunday evening. According to police, flooding of the Roshi River has washed away diversions in areas including Chowkidanda, Ghumaune, Charsaya Bensi, Gimdi Bensi, Narke, Chiuribas, Boksikuna, Kaldhunga, Dalabesi, Thulodhunga, and Mamti. Similarly, diversions have also been washed away in Nepalthok and Aapghari areas of Sindhuli. District Police Chief SP Komal Shah reported that due to the washouts at various points along the BP Highway, hundreds of vehicles had been stopped in Mangaltar, Bhakunde, Kabre Bhanjyang, Dhulikhel in Kavre, as well as in Nepalthok and Khurkot in Sindhuli.

Since Sunday morning, vehicles stranded in Bhakunde, Kabre Bhanjyang, and Dhulikhel have been relocated to safer locations. Passengers stuck near Mangaltar have also begun to be diverted via alternative routes. According to police, vehicles carrying passengers up to Mangaltar were stopped there; passengers were then made to cross the Roshi River on foot and arrangements made for another vehicle to transport them through Temal’s Kaldhar, Narayansthan, Bhakunde, and onwards to Dhulikhel. Police noted that vehicular movement on the highway will resume only after the weather improves and the road’s safety is confirmed. Further updates from authorities are expected.