PALPA: The Siddhartha Highway has been completely blocked following a landslide that dumped rocks, soil, and debris onto the road, bringing all vehicle movement to a total standstill.
The disruption occurred on the Palpa–Butwal section of the highway, roughly 100 meters north of the Palpa-side entrance to the Siddhababa Tunnel in Tinau Rural Municipality-3.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bhim Lal Bhattarai from the District Police Office, a massive landslide struck the area at around 7:00 AM today.
DSP Bhattarai noted that while preparations are underway to clear the debris and restore traffic, active falling rocks and continuous debris flow have prevented equipment from starting work immediately.
As a result, numerous vehicles traveling between the Terai plains and the hilly regions remain stranded along the highway.
This major arterial road connects the Terai to several hill districts, including Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Mustang, and Baglung.
Local authorities and police have urged drivers and passengers to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected zone and to stay in safe locations until the highway can be cleared and safely reopened.
