Kathmandu, August 31
The Prithvi Highway has become deserted after a section of the road subsided at Krishnabhir along the Nagdhunga–Muglin road. With the movement of vehicles along the highway halted, hotels and shops along the route have also been affected.
Vehicles travelling from Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway have been stopped at Kalanki. The Kathmandu–Muglin section of the Prithvi Highway, considered a vital lifeline connecting the capital with other parts of the country and external markets, has been completely blocked.
The Department of Roads has begun a technical assessment of the damaged road section at Krishnabhir on the Muglin–Kathmandu route. According to Department of Roads Director General Dr Bijay Jaisi, a technical team reached the site on Sunday and is conducting a detailed study of the area. Work to reopen the road will begin based on the recommendations of the team.
“This is already an area with difficult terrain,” Director General Jaisi said. “Moreover, the river is eroding the land from below, so we will make a decision only after assessing the risks.”
This means there is little possibility of the road reopening immediately. With a major transportation route cut off, consumers have begun to fear possible shortages and rising prices in the Kathmandu Valley.
The disruption of major road routes by floods is also expected to affect supplies to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market, the Kathmandu Valley’s main wholesale vegetable market.
