Kathmandu, October 5
The Beni-Jomsom road connecting to the Korala border point between Nepal and China will remain closed for about another week, despite partial progress in reopening the route.
According to the Department of Roads, two-way traffic has resumed along the Ghansa-Korala section of the Maldhunga-Beni-Jomsom-Korala road.
In the Tatopani area, traffic has been resumed after back-cutting and construction of retaining walls at damaged sections of the road. Work on the approach to the Pokharebagar bridge is also underway. However, several sections of the road remain severely damaged.
At two locations in Ratopani and near Bhirkate, the road has been cut off to the extent that even pedestrians cannot pass. Around 100 metres of road near Begkhola has completely sunk, according to the Department of Roads.
A major landslide at a location called Baiseri has also blocked the road. The road from Rahughat to Sirubari has been reopened for one-way traffic. The department said a track has also been opened near Ratopani in the Pokharebagar area. Work to fill and stabilise the road at a location known as Kuneto is ongoing.
The department said work on the major road cuts and landslide-affected sections will begin from Monday.
Overall, the department estimates that it will take another six days to reopen the entire section for regular traffic. The Korala border point is an important trade and transit route between Nepal and China. The disruption of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road has affected road connectivity towards the border and the Mustang region.
