Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The BP Highway (Banepa–Bardibas Highway), a vital route connecting the federal capital Kathmandu with several districts in Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi Provinces, resumed partial operation on Friday afternoon after being blocked for a week due to heavy rain, floods, and landslides.
According to the Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Office, Kathmandu, the 4-kilometer section of the highway that sustained major damage across 13 locations in Kavre and Sindhuli districts has been temporarily repaired and opened for one-way traffic. The highway is expected to fully reopen for two-way movement by Sunday, said office chief Shubharaj Nyaupane.
Continuous rainfall on Asoj 17, 18, and 19 triggered multiple landslides, washing away road sections and blocking traffic for several days. The worst damage was reported in Chauki Danda of Kavre district, where the roadbed was completely eroded. Other affected locations include Katujnje, Chaurasebensi, Chiuribas, Mangalatar (Boksikuna), Kaladhunga, Piple (upper and lower), Manti (upper and lower) in Kavre, and Baluwa, Aapghari, and Nepal Thok (Jholunge Bridge) in Sindhuli.
Restoration work began on Monday, involving the construction of diversion channels at Roshikhola, gravel filling, and temporary embankment repairs. The Department of Roads, with support from local authorities, mobilized heavy machinery and additional workforce to speed up the reopening.
On Thursday morning, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, personally inspected the damaged sections at Chauki Danda. During the field visit, Minister Ghising instructed officials to add more equipment and manpower and ensure night-time repair works with lighting facilities to accelerate the reopening process.
The reopening of the BP Highway is expected to ease the movement of passengers and goods between the eastern and central regions, which had been severely affected by the week-long disruption. Long queues of stranded vehicles had been reported on both ends of the highway, forcing traders and transport operators to incur heavy losses.
Authorities have warned that further rainfall could trigger new landslides, urging travelers to remain cautious while passing through repaired sections. Engineers noted that permanent reconstruction will begin soon once weather conditions improve.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
