Road Department Prepares to Reopen Krishna Bhir Section of Prithvi Highway for Two-Way Traffic by October 1

Kathmandu. The Department of Roads is preparing to open the Krishna Bhir section of the Prithvi Highway, damaged by the Bhote Koshi flood, for two-way traffic for all vehicles from October 1. According to Shuvraj Neupane, Deputy Director General of the Department of Roads' Planning and Monitoring Division, although the work to open the road at Krishna Bhir has been successful in testing, graveling, sub-surface drainage, and French drains and horizontal drilling for water drainage in active landslide areas still need to be done. The Prithvi Highway was damaged in various sections due to the flood in the Bhote Koshi. A subsequent flood increased river erosion, washing away the lower part of the road in areas like Parewa Bhir and Krishna Bhir. Neupane stated that the Department of Roads decided to open the road after consulting with experts, as Krishna Bhir is also an area where old landslides become active. Following consultation with the Nepal Geotechnical Society, it was decided to excavate the road from the landslide slope and temporarily operate traffic, followed by necessary technical treatment. Neupane mentioned that during the test conducted on Sunday, a track was opened at Krishna Bhir, and a gas bullet was allowed to pass to test the road. However, he clarified that the road has been temporarily closed again as graveling and drainage work are still pending. Neupane said that the plan is to operate two-way traffic when Krishna Bhir is opened. However, if landslides occur from above or other technical problems arise, decisions may need to be made based on the situation. The Department of Roads has urged passengers to exercise caution, stating that the impact of the Bhote Koshi flood has extended to the Trishuli and Narayani areas via the Prithvi Highway. 'The Bhote Koshi flood on September 10 damaged some sections of the Prithvi Highway, and the flood on September 14 increased river erosion, washing away the lower part of the road in areas like Parewa Bhir and Krishna Bhir,' said Deputy Director General Neupane. 'To manage the active landslide area of Krishna Bhir, the Department of Roads has taken a technical risk to expedite the operation of traffic after consulting with experts and the Nepal Geotechnical Society. Initially, a one-lane track was opened, and later it was expanded to two lanes. Yesterday, the track was tested by allowing available gas bullets to pass.' He further added, 'Graveling and sub-surface drainage work are still pending. Water drainage will be arranged through French drains and horizontal drilling in the active landslide area. After completing these works, preparations are being made to operate two-way traffic for all types of vehicles at Krishna Bhir from October 1. However, if landslides occur from above or other technical problems arise, decisions will be made based on the situation. River erosion and landslides have impacted various sections of the Prithvi Highway. I urge passengers not to travel unless absolutely necessary during the disaster period.' He urged that even if essential travel is necessary, it should be done only after understanding the road conditions, and informed that a detailed technical assessment of the highway will be conducted and necessary improvement and reconstruction works will be carried out once the flood situation normalizes. According to Neupane, the rise in river levels due to the flood and river erosion has damaged the lower part of the road in various places along the Prithvi Highway. He stated that after the flood and rain subside, a detailed technical assessment of the highway will be conducted, and necessary improvement and repair works will be carried out. He urged the general public not to travel except for essential work during the disaster period. The Department of Roads has stated that it will assess the condition of other affected sections of the Prithvi Highway due to floods and landslides and proceed with immediate and long-term improvement works as needed.