Arniko Highway Blocked for Two Weeks Due to Landslides
Summary
The Arniko Highway connecting Nepal to China has been blocked for two weeks due to landslides, disrupting trade and causing hardships. Repair efforts are delayed by technical challenges and local resistance.
Key Points
- The Arniko Highway at the northern border with China has been completely blocked for two weeks due to continuous landslides.
- Repair work is halted by ongoing water flow in the landslide area and safety risks to workers and residents.
- Local residents oppose repair work in the Daklang area fearing risks to their settlements and demand safety guarantees.
- A Chinese technical team conducted a study promising permanent control, but no work has started from their side yet, causing delays.
- A budget of over 48 crores has been allocated for highway improvement and landslide control, scheduled to complete by mid-2026.