Mud and steep cliffs hamper efforts to reopen flood-hit roads
Summary
Mud, unstable ground and steep cliffs are delaying repairs on the Dhunge-Betrawati road, a key link to flood-hit areas in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Authorities are rushing to install temporary Bailey bridges and reopen access to the Rasuwagadhi border crossing before Dashain.
Key Points
- Mud, marshy ground and steep cliffs are making it difficult to reopen the Dhunge-Betrawati road and other flood-damaged sections.
- The government plans to install Bailey bridges at Betrawati, Syabrubesi and other crossings to restore road access and reconnect Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
- China, India and other countries have supplied or been asked to supply temporary bridges as Nepal seeks to reopen the route to Rasuwagadhi before Dashain.
- The floods destroyed 41 motorable bridges and caused about Rs30 billion in road and bridge damage, with rebuilding costs estimated at around Rs50 billion.
