Key Takeaways:
- The Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi Highway has remained blocked since floods on August 26 and 30 washed away around 100 metres of roadway.
- The Department of Roads has mobilised equipment, technical personnel and other resources to construct a new track and restore connectivity.
- A successful trial run was conducted with around 20 vehicles, including a gas bullet, to assess the safety and usability of the new road section.
- Traffic through Krishnabhir will remain suspended until September 16 while final road-upgrading and safety works are completed.
- The Krishnabhir section of Prithvi Highway is expected to resume two-way traffic from September 16.
DHADING, SEPTEMBER 14: The Krishnabhir portion of the Prithvi Highway, which was entirely closed after flooding from the Trishuli River destroyed the roadway, is set to resume to two-way traffic on September 16. The Department of Roads stated that it intends to resume full vehicle movement along the damaged stretch once the remaining construction and safety work is finished.
Floods between August 26 and 30 caused extensive damage in the Krishnabhir area, with riverbank erosion washing away around 100 meters of the Prithvi Highway. Following the disruption, the Department of Roads mobilized construction equipment, manpower, and other resources to construct a new track and restore road connectivity along the strategically vital highway that connects Kathmandu to major locations west of the capital and toward Chitwan.
As construction neared completion, authorities held a trial run on Saturday to check the condition of the freshly constructed track and its fitness for automobile movement. During the test, approximately 20 vehicles, including a gas bullet, traveled from Kathmandu to Chitwan, while other light and heavy trucks traveled in the reverse route. The successful trial demonstrated that the newly constructed segment could accommodate vehicle movement, pending completion of the other works.
The trial run went successful, according to the Department of Roads, although traffic through the Krishnabhir stretch will be totally suspended on Monday as crews complete final road upgrades, stabilization, and safety-related work. The interim suspension will allow authorities to finish the remaining work before restoring the roadway to regular two-way traffic.
The department has advised passengers, drivers, and transport operators using the Prithvi Highway to observe official traffic notifications and directions issued by the appropriate authorities until the route is fully restored. Travelers are advised to stay aware for changes in traffic arrangements and to use designated alternate routes if required before September 16.
Source: The Himalayan Times
