New Government Prepares to Secure Highway Operations During Monsoon Season
Image source, Department of Roads
The Department of Roads has identified 612 high-risk locations where highways are likely to be blocked during the upcoming monsoon season.
The department has instructed divisional road offices to be prepared with necessary equipment such as bulldozers and excavators at these locations.
The newly formed government, established last Chaitra (March/April), has ordered subordinate offices not to allow any highway closures for extended periods during this first monsoon season, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development reported. “We have issued circulars to ensure all possible measures are taken to prevent blockages,” said ministry spokesperson Ramhari Pokharel.
Mudslide Risks on East-West Mahendra Highway
According to the Department of Roads, some portions from Kakarvitta in the east to Hetauda have already been paved, although several areas remain susceptible to mudslides. Expansion work from Hetauda to Narayangadh has not yet begun, while work westward to Butwal is nearly complete.
Upgrading on the Butwal-Gorusinge section is ongoing, with some risk of mud during the monsoon, according to Deputy Director General Shyam Bahadur Khadka of the department.
On the western side, expansion work has yet to commence.
Risk of Blockage on BP Highway
Image source, RSS
The Department of Roads has warned that the Bhuvkundebensi-Khurkot section of BP Highway, currently operated with temporary diversions along riverbanks, could be blocked during monsoon rains.
“Work is ongoing on the BP Highway. Diversions are being removed from the riverbanks, but rising water levels pose a risk of washing away these diversions,” Khadka explained.
“Travel is only advised based on the condition of diversions and coordination with road authorities and police.”
Diversions have been removed from the riverbank area to facilitate road construction before the monsoon.
Minimal Issues on Prithvi Highway
Image source, Department of Roads
Compared to last year, the Prithvi Highway, connecting Kathmandu to the tourist city Pokhara, is experiencing fewer issues this year.
Approximately 42 kilometers from Thankot to Muglin have been asphalted, though some unpaved sections may still face mud issues.
Although some bridge constructions are underway between Muglin and the Pokhara area, the road has already been paved in this section.
Plans and equipment are ready at landslide-prone locations, with private sector machinery to be mobilized if necessary.
Mid-Hill Highway
Image source, RSS
The Mid-Hill Highway, which links 26 hilly districts from Chiyovangjang in Panchthar to Dhulaghata in Baitadi, still has some sections pending asphalt.
Sections without paving present difficulties for smaller vehicles.
According to department spokesperson Khadka, landslide risk zones have been identified in Jajarkot, Rukum West, and Baglung districts.
Nearby offices have been instructed to prepare accordingly for potential blockages in the Mid-Hill region.
Karnali Highway
Three locations on the Karnali Highway, connecting the mountainous districts of Karnali Province to Banke district in Lumbini Province, have been identified as vulnerable during monsoon rains.
Gagne Khola, Dahi Khola, and S-Mod areas have been declared landslide risk zones, and the Department of Roads has begun preparations.
Although some landslide-prone spots exist on the Mahakali Highway, it is considered to be the least at risk under normal conditions.
Mechi Highway
Image source, BBC/AshokDahal
The Mechi Highway’s Jhapa-Taplejung section may face blockages during the monsoon due to incomplete road reconstruction on the damaged Rajduwali area of Mai River, affected by last year’s floods.
“Extra caution is required during rainfall,” Khadka advised.
Siddhartha Highway
Travel through the Siddhababa area of Palpa on the Siddhartha Highway remains risky as the tunnel road under construction is not yet complete.
This highway links Siddharthanagar in Rupandehi to Pokhara in Kaski via Palpa and Syangja. Previously, falling rocks have caused fatalities in this area.
“As the rains have ceased and sunlight increases, the risk of falling rocks from above rises, so travelers must remain vigilant,” Khadka warned.
A one-kilometer long tunnel in the risk-prone section is nearing completion and is expected to be operational in the upcoming monsoon season.
Road Works Continue Around Kathmandu Valley
Image source, Narayan Dutta Bhandari
Among four road routes connecting Kathmandu Valley to Hetauda, two sections will be closed for one month according to Nepal Police listings.
Farphing-Kulekhani and Satungal-Chitlang-Kulekhani roads will regularly close for maintenance.
Although some landslide-prone areas exist on the Tribhuvan Rajpath from Naubise-Danam to Hetauda and on Kanti Highway from Chapagaun in Lalitpur to Tikabhairav to Hetauda, no significant problems are reported currently.
On the Arniko (Kodari) Highway, which links Kathmandu to the Chinese border, three landslide-prone sites are identified in the Doklam area. Construction on the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi section has faced delays due to contract termination, leading to soil erosion and other issues.
“The delay is due to breaking an old contract and initiating a new one for road improvements,” Khadka explained.
Many sections of the Hulaki Highway, connecting southern inner towns of Terai-Madhes region to the East-West Mahendra Highway, are under construction, with several already paved.
The Madan Bhandari Highway extension from Bahundangi in Jhapa through the Chure region to Dadeldhura Rupaal is incomplete in many areas, though some sections have been paved.