Heavy Rainfall, Landslides Disrupt Road Connectivity Across Nepal

KATHMANDU, September 25: Continuous heavy rainfall since Thursday has severely disrupted road connectivity across Nepal, with landslides, flooding and rising river levels blocking major highways and forcing authorities to impose night-time travel restrictions in several districts.

Public transport services connecting Kathmandu with different parts of the country have been affected after key highways became impassable. According to Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office landslides have obstructed multiple sections of the Prithvi Highway and BP Highway.

The Prithvi Highway and Narayangadh–Muglin road section have been closed until further notice due to landslides and continuing rainfall. Chitwan Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal said the roads were initially closed overnight, but the restrictions were extended as weather conditions failed to improve.

More than 10,000 vehicles use the Narayangadh–Muglin section daily, while over 14,000 vehicles travel along the Prithvi Highway each day.

The BP Highway has also been blocked by landslides at Charseybesi and Gimdi in Roshi Rural Municipality of Kavrepalanchok. Authorities have imposed night-time travel restrictions from 5 pm to 5 am through September 28. Officials warned that daytime traffic could also be suspended if river levels rise and landslide risks increase.

The Pharping–Hetauda route remains open only to smaller vehicles. Meanwhile, long-distance public transport services from Kathmandu’s Gongabu New Bus Park were suspended from Thursday evening as worsening road conditions stranded buses in the capital.

Several other major roads have also been affected. The Kaligandaki Corridor has been completely blocked in Gulmi following a landslide at Rakse, while the Kanti Lokpath has been obstructed at three locations because of landslides.

In Panchthar, the Tamor Corridor has been blocked by flooding, while flood damage has disrupted the Pasang Lhamu Highway in Dhading. Roads in Rasuwa also remain blocked due to flooding.

Authorities have imposed night-time travel restrictions in several districts, including Chitwan, Dhading, Khotang, Rolpa, Rukum East, Rasuwa, Ilam, Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Makawanpur, Mustang, Myagdi, Kaski and Nawalparasi East.

In Khotang, night travel along the Mid-Hill Highway section from Chakhewabhanjyang to Jayaramghat has been prohibited from 7 pm to 5 am, except for essential-service vehicles. In Rolpa, night travel on major and local roads has been restricted from 5 pm to 6 am, while sections of the Madan Bhandari Highway have been closed around the clock.

Authorities have urged people to avoid non-essential and long-distance travel, particularly at night, and to check road and weather conditions before setting out.

With heavy rainfall forecast to continue into October 3, officials have advised residents living near rivers, streams and landslide-prone slopes to remain alert and move to safer locations if flooding or landslide activity increases.

The Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation has also urged transport operators and drivers to coordinate with security agencies and verify road conditions before travelling.