Road restoration works gain pace

In Gandaki Province, the Beni-Jomsom road has partially resumed operation after repairs to sections damaged by floods and landslides.

Kathmandu, Oct. 13: With Dashain festival approaching nearer, the government has intensified efforts to clear obstructed highways and repair flood-and landslide-damaged roads, mobilising resources and working round the clock to restore major road links and facilitate the safe and smooth movement of thousands of passengers travelling home for the festival.

Road workers and security personnel are busy clearing debris, repair damaged sections and construct temporary roads and bridges to restore connectivity before the festival. Although traffic has resumed on several major routes, some stretches remain vulnerable to river erosion, landslides and further flooding, raising concerns over passenger safety, according to Nepal Police Headquarters.

The Department of Roads has expedited restoration work on disaster-hit roads in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan and Gorkha, among other districts, to facilitate the movement of passengers and goods during the festive period, according to Deputy Director General and spokesperson for the Department, Shuvaraj Neupane. 

The Prithvi Highway, a major route connecting Kathmandu with Pokhara and other western destinations, has resumed two-way traffic at Galaundi in Dhading after river erosion caused a section of the road to subside.

Workers cut into the hillside to create a temporary passage for vehicles. However, further work is required to strengthen the damaged section. Traffic is scheduled to remain suspended from 11:00 pm Monday until 5:00 am Tuesday to allow repairs to continue, the Department said. 

It has also said the work is necessary to prevent vehicles from getting stuck in mud should rainfall resume. The highway carries more than 15,000 vehicles a day on average, making its uninterrupted operation particularly important during Dashain, said Neupane. 

The BP Highway, another key route connecting Kathmandu with the eastern Tarai, has also resumed operation on the Kavrepalanchok side following flood damage and the destruction of temporary diversions. Vehicles are using a reconstructed track, although traffic management and further maintenance are required at narrow and damaged sections.