Landslide Blocks Key Highway, Alternative Route Ignored
Summary
A landslide at Krishnabhir on the Prithvi Highway has disrupted transport between Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal, leaving thousands of passengers and vehicles stranded for over a week. Locals are urging the government to upgrade an alternative Gorkha-Dhading route that they say is safer and shorter for long-term use.
Key Points
- A landslide at Krishnabhir on the Prithvi Highway caused a collapse into the Trishuli River and has blocked a key transport corridor.
- Thousands of passengers, patients, and vehicles have been stranded for more than a week, while the chance of quickly clearing the landslide is weakening.
- Locals say the Gorkha-Dhading route via Bunkot, Ghairung, Fujel, Darbung, and Siurenitar is the safest alternative, but it has long been neglected.
- Community leaders blame delays on the Budhigandaki Reservoir Hydropower Project and say the central government has not responded concretely to calls for action.
