Mechi Highway Section in Ilam Blocked for a Month Due to Landslide
Summary
A month-long landslide blockage on the Ilam-Rajduwali section of the Mechi Highway has cut off road access from Ilam to Jhapa, Panchthar and Taplejung. The disruption has driven up consumer prices, slowed transport and caused a cooking gas shortage in Ilam.
Key Points
- The Ilam-Rajduwali section of the Mechi Highway has remained blocked for a month after a landslide and road sinking in Ilam Municipality-9.
- Authorities and local residents are clearing debris, filling sunk areas and graveling the road, but rain is delaying repairs and causing repeated setbacks.
- The blockage has severed road access between Ilam and Jhapa as well as links to Panchthar and Taplejung, forcing passengers to walk and rely on stretchers for patients and the elderly.
- Transport costs have surged, pushing up the price of consumer goods in Ilam and worsening a cooking gas shortage.
