Nepal Police has temporarily stopped night-time vehicle movement on two major roads that connect Kathmandu Valley after continuous rain increased the risk of floods and landslides.
Where and when are vehicles banned?
- On the BP Highway (Khurkot–Nepalthok–Katunje/Dhulikhel section), all vehicles are banned from 6:00 pm to 4:00 am every day, until further notice, due to possible flooding risk near river crossings.
- On the Kanti Lokpath (Hetauda–Bhimphedi–Bagmati–Lalitpur section) in Makwanpur, all vehicles are banned from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am every day, also until further notice, because of ongoing landslide and flood danger.
According to Nepal Police, these restrictions apply to all types of vehicles, including buses, cars, jeeps, bikes and trucks. The bans are part of a broader safety plan after several parts of national highways were blocked by debris and rising water levels.
What this means for drivers and passengers
For people travelling to and from Kathmandu via BP Highway or Kanti Lokpath:
- Plan your journey only in the permitted daytime hours.
- Be ready for sudden holds or delays even during the day, as authorities will keep checking road and river conditions.
- Public buses and private vehicles may need to change routes or wait at entry points (such as Dhulikhel, Kavre Bhanjyang, Nepal Thok) if the road is temporarily closed.
If you must travel during the monsoon:
- Use alternative routes where available, such as Prithvi Highway or Muglin–Narayanghat, depending on your destination. However, these routes may also face partial blockages.
- Avoid starting long-distance trips late in the afternoon if your route passes through BP Highway or Kanti Lokpath.
Safety advice for vehicle owners
- Check road status updates from police, local radio, or transport operators before you start your trip.
- For bus and freight operators, adjust your schedule so that vehicles pass the restricted sections well before evening.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition for wet and muddy roads: good tyres, working lights and wipers, and reliable brakes.
These measures aim to reduce accidents and rescue difficulties that can occur when vehicles get stuck on risky sections at night. The bans will remain in place until the security committees and police issue a new notice after reviewing weather and road safety conditions.
Reported by the Nepal AutoMart news desk. Prices verified against Nepal AutoMart's own distributor-sourced data.
