KATHMANDU, Oct 5: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has said that the government's top priority is to rescue vehicles stranded on the BP Highway.
Minister Dahal made this statement while speaking at the meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee under the House of Representatives on Friday.
Five sections of various highways remain completely blocked
He stated that hundreds of vehicles are stranded on the BP Highway due to the disruption of the road network, leaving drivers and their assistants stranded as well. The government is working to rescue them.
He clarified that the government has concluded it will not be possible to reopen the BP Highway before Dashain. He added that the government is actively involved in rescuing citizens affected by disasters across the country. He noted that the Department of Roads is working in a manner similar to the Nepali Army, with employees working even during holidays, equipped with various tools to carry out the necessary work.
He said, "Regarding the BP Highway, there is a strong emphasis on finding some solution. We are working on it. The plan is to open a diversion along the river. Around 12 kilometers of the road have been completely washed away, leaving no trace. Even if we dig into the hillside to create a road, it gets washed away again. There are two options: build a bridge for the entire 12 kilometers or, at a lower cost, raise a wall along the river to create a path. However, that will take time. Before that, once the water flow in the river decreases, the first priority is to rescue those stranded vehicles."
He added, "After that, we will gradually work towards resuming vehicle movement. Our conclusion is that we won’t be able to open the road before Dashain. However, the work to rescue the stranded vehicles will continue uninterrupted. The government is not at a standstill when it comes to rescue efforts. You shouldn’t give us a zero score. You should recognize the efforts of this government because we have done a lot. It’s not that we haven’t worked, just blaming won’t help. Our Department of Roads operates in an army-style manner. They are on alert and dedicated, even during Dashain and holidays. The department’s employees are working with bulldozers and heavy equipment."