Nepal prepares Krishnabhir bypass as temporary fix remains uncertain
Summary
Nepal is racing to restore traffic on the closed Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi Highway, but officials fear the temporary track may not be safe for long. The government is also upgrading an alternative 12-kilometre route on the opposite bank of the Trishuli river before Dashain.
Key Points
- The government is preparing an alternative road across the Trishuli river as uncertainty grows over reopening the landslide-hit Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi Highway.
- Officials say the temporary track at Krishnabhir is unstable, so work is also underway on a roughly 12-kilometre bypass connecting the Benighat and Fishling bridges.
- Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal said the alternative route is expected to be paved before Dashain, while a more permanent tunnel or bridge is also being studied.
- The August 26 Bhotekoshi flood triggered erosion and landslides that damaged the highway at multiple points between Betravati and Muglin.
