Prithvi Highway Reopens After 18 Days As New Krishnabhir Track Restores Two Way Traffic

Traffic movement on the Prithvi Highway has resumed after an 18 day disruption caused by major flood and landslide damage at the Krishnabhir section in Dhading. The reopening restores a direct road connection between Kathmandu and western Nepal, although authorities say several damaged sections still require repair and monitoring.

The highway was blocked after the Trishuli River overflowed following heavy flooding and washed away the lower part of the road at Krishnabhir. The collapse damaged around 100 meters of the highway and completely stopped regular traffic movement through the important route.

New Temporary Track Restores Traffic

To restore transportation, authorities constructed a new temporary track above the damaged section. The newly opened route is about 270 meters long and was gravelled before being opened for two way traffic. Officials said the new track allows all types of vehicles to pass, including trucks and fuel tankers that had faced difficulties during the blockage.

Around 50 workers, including technical teams, worked 12 to 16 hours daily to complete the emergency road construction. Road project officials said gravel work was completed before reopening, while additional safety measures including drainage improvements and road lighting are being added.

The reopening has provided relief for thousands of travelers and transport operators who were forced to use alternative routes through Hetauda and Gorkha during the closure. The disruption also affected supply movement, with heavy vehicles unable to reach Kathmandu and contributing to difficulties in transporting essential goods, including LP gas.

Temporary Solution As Repairs Continue

Officials have clarified that the new track is only a temporary solution. The Department of Roads will monitor the road condition for about two weeks to study its stability and load capacity before deciding further improvements, including blacktopping work.

Several sections of the Prithvi Highway between Nagdhunga and Mugling remain affected by erosion and landslides. Areas including Shital Bazar, Jawang Khola, Galchhi, Mahesh Khola, Baireni and Malekhu are still facing restrictions in some sections, with traffic operating on a single lane.

Long Term Plans For Safer Route

Authorities are also working on a longer term alternative route to reduce dependence on the unstable Krishnabhir section. The proposed alternative route would connect Benighat, cross the Trishuli River and join the Prithvi Highway near Fisling in Chitwan. The government plans to upgrade the route and eventually blacktop it.

Engineers are also studying permanent solutions for Krishnabhir, including options such as a tunnel or a bridge bypass. Officials say a final decision will be made after technical experts complete their assessments.

Krishnabhir Remains A Major Challenge

Krishnabhir has been considered a high risk landslide area for decades. The section has experienced repeated road failures, including major landslides in previous years. Authorities had already carried out protection works such as retaining structures and slope stabilisation measures, but the latest flood caused severe damage by eroding the river side of the highway.

The Prithvi Highway is one of Nepal’s busiest transportation routes, with around 14,000 vehicles using it daily. The reopening of Krishnabhir has restored movement on a critical national route, while further repair work continues to improve long term safety.