Traffic Resumes for Light Vehicles along Major Highway while Long-Haul Vehicles Remain Stranded

Authorities have allowed essential light vehicles that were halted due to the risk of landslides along a major highway to continue to their destinations from Sunday morning. They had suspended traffic on the Narayangadh–Muglin road section and the Chitwan-bound segment of the Prithvi Highway at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday following persistent rainfall.

Spokesperson for the District Police Office, Chitwan Ravidra Khanal said stones, mud, and landslides had occurred at several locations along the Narayangadh–Muglin road and the Chitwan section of the Prithvi Highway. He said authorities have cleared the minor landslides, allowing essential light vehicles to resume their journeys.

However, police have continued to halt long-distance and heavy vehicles because of the ongoing risk of landslides on roads affected by the rain that began on Friday evening.

In line with traffic management and emergency vehicle control protocols, Khanal said police have stopped vehicles heading toward Kathmandu at Fisling, Kurintar, and Muglin in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality; Jugedi, Ramnagar, and Amptari in Bharatpur Metropolitan City; Pokhara Bus Park, Bypass Road, Central Bus Terminal, and Gondrang; as well as Shanti Chowk Tandi, Chaubiskothi Khairahani, Daduwa Bazaar Bhandara, and Lothar Bazaar in eastern Chitwan.

He added that landslides and falling rocks have also obstructed roads in Dhading and Tanahun districts. Police have urged vehicle operators to remain at the designated holding centers until the blocked roads are cleared and weather conditions improve further.

Khanal said authorities will allow vehicles to proceed once the situation is assessed and deemed safe. -- RSS