Damaged Roads Threaten Dashain Travel

Dashain, the biggest festival, creates a buzz all around the nation. It is time for people to go back to their villages, reconnect with their families and receive Tika and blessings from the elders. Regardless of where they are and how busy their life becomes, going back to their home is always one of the most treasured aspects of the celebration. But unfortunately, the terrible Bhotekoshi floods and landslides of this year make this journey even harder. Damaged highways, roads which are blocked by landslides and possibilities of new landslides have made this much-anticipated journey very tough indeed. The journey home is more challenging, and concerns rise over traffic congestion, passenger safety and the timely restoration of highways.

An estimated 1.5 million people are expected to leave the Kathmandu Valley this year according to government projections. Of them, between 650,000 and 975,000 will travel by transport. The total could rise further when private vehicles are included. Managing such a number of passengers requires adequate transport services, efficient traffic management and reliable road infrastructure. 

Dashain symbolises Nepal’s traditions and family ties. Young people, migrant workers and students living in cities return to homes to celebrate with families. Yet fulfilling this cherished tradition often means navigating highways, sharp bends, damaged bridges and landslide‑prone mountain roads. 

The devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26, followed by monsoon rainfall between October 8 and 12 further damaged the country’s road network. Government estimates indicate that 7,000 kilometres of roads have been affected by floods and landslides. 

The Araniko Highway, BP Highway, Kanti Highway, Galchhi–Trishuli road and Nagdhunga-Mugling section are among the routes facing serious challenges.

The government has pledged to restore roads and facilitate the movement of passengers during Dashain. Repair and clearance work has been intensified on major routes. However, the continuing risk of landslides and further rainfall cannot guarantee journeys. 

Damaged highways 

The Nagdhunga entry and exit point accounts for 55 per cent of vehicles leaving the valley. An estimated 85 to 90 per cent of vehicles entering and leaving Kathmandu use the Nagdhunga, Sanga and Pharping routes. Congestion at these points can result in hours of delay, especially when traffic increases during the festival.

The Mugling-Narayanghat section remains vulnerable to landslides. Although debris is cleared and traffic resumes, fresh landslides can block the road again quickly. Journeys that would normally take five hours may extend beyond 15 hours.