Lamjung-Kathmandu journey becomes longer and costlier
Summary
The closure of the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir in Dhading has stretched the Besisahar-Kathmandu trip from 5-6 hours to as long as 12-13 hours, sharply raising fares and reducing the number of buses in service. Patients referred to hospitals in Kathmandu are also facing longer and more expensive ambulance and helicopter transfers.
Key Points
- The Prithvi Highway closure after flood erosion at Krishnabhir has forced Besisahar-Kathmandu vehicles onto longer alternative routes via Chitwan, Hetauda and Dakshinkali.
- Travel time has risen from about five to six hours to 12 to 13 hours, while fares for microbuses have doubled or more.
- Daily microbus operations have fallen from around 40-50 to just five to seven, and large buses from five or six to only one.
- Patients needing treatment in Kathmandu are also facing higher transportation costs and longer delays, including ambulance and helicopter transfers.
