KATHMANDU: The Prithvi Highway, a vital lifeline connecting to Kathmandu, remains closed for 14 days after floods in the Trishuli River eroded the road’s base at Krishnabhir in Dhading.
On Aug. 30, officials reported that a 100-meter section of the highway collapsed following the erosion. Work is currently underway to open a new 250-meter track above the collapsed section.
According to Sajana Adhikari, chief of the Nagdhunga-Mugling Road Project, Western Section, the initial excavation to link both sides is complete.
The project team is now focusing on graveling and rolling the road surface to make it suitable for traffic. Adhikari stated, “Graveling is not as simple as excavation. It must be done in layers and leveled through rolling. This will take three to four days. We aim to resume traffic by the end of this month.”
The closure has significantly disrupted transport between Kathmandu, Dhading, Chitwan, Tanahun, Kaski, and other western districts of Nepal. The disruption in supply chains has led to a shortage of cooking gas in the market. Travelers are currently forced to use the route via Hetauda, which is facing heavy traffic congestion.
Previously, bio-engineering techniques were used at the site to prevent landslides, but the recent flooding caused unexpected damage to the road’s foundation. Officials expressed hope that the newly constructed track will provide a more stable route for commuters.
The highway remains a critical corridor for essential goods, and its closure has caused widespread inconvenience for travelers and businesses alike.
