Kathmandu, August 30
A landslide at Krishna Bhir along the Prithvi Highway on Sunday has completely disrupted the Muglin-Kathmandu road after a section of the road was swept away.
Vehicular movement has come to a complete halt along the affected section.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Dahal of the District Police Office, Dhading, it could take at least a month to restore traffic.
“I went there for an on-site inspection this morning,” Dahal said. “Looking at the extent of the landslide, it will take at least a month to reopen the road.”
Gorkha route suggested as alternative
Authorities have suggested that vehicles travelling to Kathmandu via Muglin use routes through Gorkha for the time being.
One alternative route runs from Gorkha district headquarters through Bunkot, Namjung, Ghairung and Durbung to Siurenitar, from where vehicles can reach Benighat and continue towards Kathmandu.
Another route runs from Gorkha headquarters through Namjung and Bunkotghat before joining the road at Benighat.
These routes could particularly benefit vehicles travelling to Kathmandu from Pokhara, Gorkha and other western parts of the country.
Chief District Officer of Gorkha Tulsi Bahadur Shrestha said efforts were underway to restore connectivity between Muglin and Kathmandu through Gorkha.
He said the district administration was coordinating with the road office to identify the shortest and most suitable alternative route.
“We are coordinating with the road office to identify a short and suitable route,” Shrestha said.
He added that the identified road would be upgraded at necessary points to facilitate vehicular movement until the damaged section of the Muglin-Kathmandu road can be restored.
