Prithvi Highway Partially Reopens After Krishna Bhir Landslide

The Prithvi Highway, which was blocked after a landslide and severe riverbank erosion at Krishna Bhir in Dhading, has partially reopened for one-way traffic following the construction of an alternative road section.

Vehicles began operating on the newly constructed section on Sunday, around 10 days after traffic was disrupted when the Trishuli River eroded the road following the devastating floods triggered by the Bhote Koshi disaster.

A 252-metre-long alternative track has been opened to replace the section of the highway that was severely damaged and partially washed away by the river.

Authorities began sending vehicles from Charaundi towards Muglin on Sunday as a trial operation. Construction teams are currently working to grade the road and bring its surface to a final usable condition.

Efforts are also underway to make at least two lanes operational, with gravel being laid and sub-surface drainage systems being constructed alongside the road.

Although one-way traffic has resumed, motorists will have to wait a few more days for full two-way operation.

According to officials, preparations are underway to operate vehicles in both directions from Thursday, provided the ongoing road improvement works progress as planned.

The authorities are prioritizing the stabilization and strengthening of the newly constructed section to ensure safer and smoother movement of vehicles along the busy highway.

The Prithvi Highway suffered extensive damage at several locations after heavy flooding in the Trishuli River, triggered by the devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi area.

The highway was severely affected at Krishna Bhir in Dhading, Parewa Bhir in Makwanpur and Patle Ban near Nagdhunga, where sections of the road were washed away or destabilized by river erosion and landslides.

The Department of Roads said the high flow of the Trishuli River caused significant erosion along various sections of the Prithvi Highway.

At the base of Krishna Bhir, the river caused severe toe-cutting, weakening the foundation of the existing road. As a result, a large section of the highway subsided, forcing authorities to close the route and construct an alternative track.

The reopening of the alternative section is expected to ease traffic disruption along one of Nepal’s most important road corridors connecting Kathmandu with major destinations and commercial centers in the western part of the country.

Officials are continuing construction and drainage works to strengthen the new alignment before restoring full two-way traffic.