KATHMANDU, Oct 4: Five highways that were devastated by the floods and landslides a few days ago are yet to resume full-fledged operations.
According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) 31 locations of five highways including Araniko Highway, Pushpa Lal Highway, Kanti Highway, BP Highway and Mechi Highway are still not open for travelers. Organizing a press meet on Thursday, the ministry informed that a total of Rs 20-25 billion will be needed to rebuild the damaged structures of these highways.
Floods and landslides triggered by the two-day incessant rain starting last Friday swept road segments and bridges of the major highways across the country. The disasters claimed 233 lives while leaving thousands of people injured and stranded.
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The MoPIT reported that the bridge that connected Larcha and Kodari was swept by the floods. Likewise, a mudslide swept a 12 km road segment of the BP Highway.
Similarly, an 80 km segment of Pushpa Lal Highway witnessed landslides in many places while mudslides swept road segments. The authorities have permitted movement of vehicles through Bardibas-BP Highway to enter Kathmandu by diverting their route via Dolalghat.
A 13 km stretch of the Kanti Highway is still disrupted. According to the MoPIT, landslides on both sides of the highway that fall in Makwanpur and Lalitpur districts are being cleared.
Likewise, an 8 km of Ramite-Phidim segment of the Mechi Highway along with the bridge across Hewa Khola were completely damaged by the disaster.
Among the landslides that took place in 805 places on 34 highways, the ministry has cleared the debrises of 774 locations. With the work progress, transport movements on 29 highways have been resumed.
According to the ministry, the route permits have been scrapped temporarily to allow movement of vehicles starting from September 30 through October 17, the last day of Dashain. In addition, the government has formed a quick response team to address instantly the problems faced by travelers due to bad road conditions.
