KATHMANDU: Road clearance, repair and reconstruction have been accelerated in flood-affected areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading as authorities prioritise restoring transport links alongside rescue and relief operations.

In Nuwakot, repair work is underway on the bridge over Thulo Khola along the Galchhi–Devighat road, which was damaged by the flood. Chief District Officer Shambhu Prasad Regmi said the bridge is expected to reopen to traffic within one or two days.

Authorities are also preparing to install a Bailey bridge where the bridge over Tadi Khola was swept away. The road from Dhunge Bazaar in Trishuli towards Rasuwa has been partially reopened, while the Bahunbesi–Lachyang–Dhunche section is currently allowing smaller vehicles. Repairs are being carried out to enable larger vehicles to use the route.

Small vehicles are also operating along the Dhikure–Phedibesi–Chokate and Bore Bhanjyang–Dhungedhara–Betrawati routes towards Rasuwa. The Chokate–Bore Bhanjyang–Bidur section is also being used as an alternative route.

The Koloni–Buddhasinghghat road has been reopened, while an alternative route through Labdanda–Sirkhali–Bunibesi–Kalikhola–Majhigaun to Koloni has also come into operation. Authorities are preparing to restore temporary rope crossings at locations including Koloni Dhungel after bringing the required equipment and identifying suitable sites with technical teams.

According to Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal, a road along the right bank of the Trishuli River-from the Trishuli bridge through Kalleritar, Koshikhola, Pipalatar, Darshantar, Chhatrekhola and Gauribesi to Trishuli Bazaar-has also been reopened.

The restoration has re-established road access to many residents of Nuwakot and is expected to ease the movement of relief supplies and other essential goods.

In Dhading, the Fkurke Khola bridge was swept away, cutting road access to the district headquarters, Dhadingbesi. Authorities have opened an alternative route from Mastar through Kuringtar along the right bank of the Trishuli River to Dhadingbesi. As installing a Bailey bridge at Fkurke Khola is considered difficult immediately, work is underway to upgrade the alternative route.

The federal government has placed restoration of critical infrastructure alongside rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. Ministers and government agencies are monitoring reconstruction work in the affected areas, with the government saying it is mobilising available resources to restore essential services and assist flood victims.