Kathmandu, September 1
Traffic congestion has increased on the Hetauda–Kathmandu road after flooding in the Trishuli River blocked the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir in Dhading.
With traffic diverted through Hetauda, the local administration has introduced separate routes for vehicles travelling to and from Kathmandu from Tuesday.
According to a notice issued by the local administration, passenger vehicles with a capacity of fewer than 14 seats travelling towards Kathmandu will have to use the Bhimphedi–Kulekhani–Sisneri–Dakshinkali route.
Vehicles travelling from Kathmandu to Hetauda will have to take the Farping–Phakhel–Kulekhani–Bhimphedi route.
According to Santosh Subedi, administrative officer at the District Administration Office, Makwanpur, freight vehicles and large passenger buses travelling to Kathmandu will have to use the Tribhuvan Highway, while those returning to Hetauda will have to use the Kanti Highway.
Subedi said traffic using the Hetauda–Kathmandu route had increased after the Prithvi Highway was blocked at Krishnabhir in Dhading.
The administration has also asked fuel tankers and heavy freight vehicles not to use a Bailey bridge near the Tribhuvan Highway in Makwanpur, citing concerns over its load-bearing capacity. Such vehicles have been asked to use the diversion alongside the bridge.
The administration said the new traffic arrangement is expected to reduce congestion and prolonged vehicle stoppages on the alternative routes.
It has urged drivers, transport operators and passengers to follow the designated routes to keep traffic movement smooth, safe and orderly.
