The Department of Roads has allocated Rs 32.5 million to repair roads damaged by the Bhotekoshi flood of 26 August on two key corridors: the Galchhi–Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi road and the Prithvi Highway.
Major damage points
Director General Bijay Jaisi said the Galchhi–Muglin stretch of the Prithvi Highway and the Galchhi–Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi road suffered the heaviest impact from floods and landslides.
- Between Bidur and Rasuwagadhi in Nuwakot, 40 km out of 56 km of road has been completely washed away.
- On the Prithvi Highway, the road platform has been badly eroded at Krishnabhir and Parewabhir by the river.
Crews are working to reopen these sections as soon as possible, Jaisi said.
Bailey bridges at three locations
Floods have damaged 31 motorable bridges across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. To restore connectivity, the department has started installing Bailey bridges at Devighat, Trishuli Bazaar and Betrawati.
- A 50-metre Bailey bridge is planned over the Tadi River at Devighat.
- Designs for the Bailey bridges at Trishuli Bazaar and Betrawati are already done.
- Technical surveys are underway on other damaged bridges to decide whether to repair or replace them.
Alternative routes for highway users
Travellers heading towards Langtang and Rasuwa can now use an alternative 110 km route from Kathmandu to Dhunche via Tokha–Chhahare–Bidur–Bogatitaar.
The bridge over Furke Khola connecting Dhadingbesi was also damaged. Vehicles are now being routed through Maltar, Gajuritar and Kewarinighat instead.
Geotechnical study at Krishnabhir
The department hasn't yet decided how to reopen the Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi Highway. Officials are consulting experts from the Nepal Geotechnical Society on two options: cutting further into the hillside above the current road, or building a new track on the opposite bank of the Trishuli River.
Manpower and machinery on site
More than 50 senior technicians, engineers and mechanics have been deployed to the affected stretches. Over 15 units of heavy equipment are also on site.
Owners and transport operators should expect temporary detours, slower traffic and frequent closures along the Galchhi–Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi road and the Prithvi Highway. This will likely continue until full repairs and the Bailey bridges are in place.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
