Surkhet, September 9
The Dailekh section of the Karnali Highway has reopened to one-way traffic after a landslide at Bhallu Khola, Dullu Municipality-10, was cleared. The road, which had been blocked by the landslide since Tuesday evening, was reopened for one-way traffic from 10 am Wednesday after the debris was removed.
According to the District Police Office, Dailekh, vehicles are now being allowed to pass in one direction after the landslide debris on the road was cleared.
Vehicle movement on the highway had come to a complete halt for some time after the road was blocked by the landslide.
Road blocked since Tuesday evening
The Dailekh section of the Karnali Highway was blocked after a landslide struck Bhallu Khola in Dullu Municipality-10 on Tuesday evening. With the road blocked, vehicles travelling to and from Surkhet and various districts of Karnali via the highway were affected.
Soil and rocks piled up at the landslide site, completely covering the road and disrupting traffic. Since the landslide occurred at night, it was difficult to reopen the road immediately. The blockage caused difficulties for passengers and drivers trying to reach their destinations.
Clearing work began early morning
After the road was blocked, clearing work began in coordination with the relevant authorities. The District Police Office, Dailekh, said that after the debris piled on the road was cleared, vehicles were able to resume movement from 10 am Wednesday.
However, even after the landslide was cleared, the highway has not fully reopened to two-way traffic. Since vehicles are currently only permitted to travel one-way, drivers and passengers are urged to exercise caution while crossing the section.
Landslide risk during monsoon
The Karnali Highway is frequently blocked by landslides during the monsoon season. Since the road runs through hilly terrain, rain often triggers soil and rock slides from higher ground at various points, disrupting traffic.
When the highway is blocked, it affects not only passengers travelling between various Karnali districts and Surkhet and other districts, but also cargo vehicles transporting daily essential goods. Prolonged road blockages can also affect the supply of essential goods to local markets.
Drivers urged to remain cautious
Although the road is now open to one-way traffic, there remains a risk of further landslides in landslide-prone areas, including Bhallu Khola, especially during continued rainfall. Police have therefore urged caution while operating vehicles in the area.
Drivers have specifically been urged not to stop vehicles in landslide-affected areas or attempt risky crossings, particularly at night or during continuous rainfall. Full two-way traffic is expected to resume only once the road is deemed completely safe.
The Karnali Highway is a vital road connecting the hilly and Himalayan districts of Karnali Province with major markets, including Surkhet. Since even minor obstructions on the highway disrupt long-distance transport, regular monitoring and prompt landslide clearance are seen as essential during the monsoon season.
