CHITWAN: The Muglin-Malekhu section of the Prithvi Highway, which was obstructed by a landslide at Ghoptebhir in Ichhakamana Rural Municipality-4, Chitwan, has reopened after eight hours. The road was blocked at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Monday after a massive dry landslide fell from above the road, halting traffic in both directions.
According to Chitwan District Police Chief, Superintendent of Police Rameshwor Poudel, the road resumed two-way traffic at 1:30 p.m. Equipment from the Road Division Office, Bharatpur, was used to clear the debris. Machinery, including loaders and excavators, were deployed from both the Muglin and Kathmandu sides to clear the road. Officials noted that the operation was challenging due to the continuous risk of further landslides during the clearing process.
Sajana Adhikari, information officer for the Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project (West Section), stated that the area is prone to frequent dry landslides, making road maintenance difficult. The continuous falling of rocks and soil from the slope above has hampered clearing efforts. A similar landslide had occurred at the same location on Sunday afternoon, which was cleared by 2:15 p.m. The recurring landslides over two consecutive days have caused significant hardship for passengers traveling home for Tihar. Project officials warned that because the slope above the road is unstable, the risk of further landslides remains high.
