Every year when the monsoon hits Nepal, the same problems arise: blocked roads, collapsed bridges, and long traffic jams caused by rain-induced disasters. This year is no exception. As of May 29, the Department of Roads reported a staggering 104 road disruptions across the country. Although they managed to reopen 103 of those routes, road authorities are still struggling to restore full functionality. Among the reopened roads, 54 are only open for one-way traffic, which continues to slow down movement significantly. The only fully blocked section is at the Binayi River on the East-West Highway, where construction of a new bridge is underway and expected to be completed by July 2. These disruptions have caused severe logistical challenges. Trucks and other vehicles carrying goods often have to wait in long queues or take lengthy detours.
Even as the monsoon has just set in, its impacts are widely felt across the country as a number of strategic roads are rendered dysfunctional due to flood and landslides. In Bardaghat, along the East-West Highway, trucks have been stranded for days, and tragically, some drivers and their helpers have begun to suffer from health issues like dengue. Emergency services, including ambulances and rescue teams, also face difficulties in navigating these blocked routes. Farmers and merchants, who rely on these roads to market their produce, are particularly affected—leading to both economic losses and disruptions to daily life. While natural disasters like landslides and floods are the primary culprits, poor planning and delayed responses have made matters worse. In Nepal’s hilly and rural areas, roads are often built without solid foundations or adequate drainage systems. New roads frequently appear without long-term safety considerations, and during the dry season—when maintenance would be easier—little action is taken. When the rains arrive, repairs become significantly more difficult. The Department of Roads has made some efforts to improve its response this year, deploying 277 pieces of heavy machinery such as wheel loaders and backhoes to expedite road clearance. They claim to have increased resources in areas that faced the worst disruptions last year and are now working more closely with local authorities.
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Despite these improvements, experts stress that many issues remain unresolved. Experts note that road construction and maintenance often suffer due to inadequate planning and political interference. They even cite the collapse of the Binayi Bridge in January, explaining that had construction begun on time, the bridge could have been completed before the onset of the monsoon. Delays in paperwork, such as tender approvals, frequently stall progress. Political pressure sometimes results in infrastructure being built without proper engineering oversight. For instance, the Bailey bridge over Hewa Khola collapsed before it was even operational—its design was too long, endangering lives and wasting public funds. Many of these problems could be avoided by involving technical experts from the start. To ensure road safety and reliability during the monsoon, preparations must begin months in advance. Roads should be built with proper engineering care and maintained regularly through expert oversight. The practice of releasing the road maintenance budget only after the monsoon begins must end. Most importantly, enhanced coordination among ministries, local governments, and technical teams is essential. Otherwise, Nepal will continue to face the same annual cycle of blocked roads, stalled traffic, and public frustration.
