Dhading, Sept 15: Traffic along the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir is expected to resume from September 17, after workers rushed to build a new track following a landslide that completely blocked the highway.
Construction has entered its final phase, with road grading and hillside cutting completed. A small number of vehicles were allowed through on Sunday as part of a trial run, but authorities have stressed that the new route remains closed to regular traffic.
Engineer Ishwar Nepal, whose company is constructing the bypass, said crews were working on gravelling, slope cutting and drainage on Tuesday, the 11th day since work began.
Around 40 to 50 workers are currently engaged at the site, supported by five to six heavy machines, including excavators, graders and rollers. The project initially deployed 11 to 12 machines during the first 10 days to speed up track construction.
The new route is about 300 metres long and seven metres wide, with an overall width of around 7.5 metres including drainage. River gravel is being used to strengthen and surface the track, while roadside drains and pipes are being installed.
Nepal said the site remains vulnerable to further landslides and the September 17 target depends on favourable conditions.
Sachendra Mishra, information officer for the Nagdhunga Muglin Road Project, Western Section, said finishing work was underway after grading was completed.
He cautioned motorists against assuming that the route had already reopened, saying Sunday’s vehicle movement was conducted only to test the newly built track.
“If no further problems arise, all remaining work will be completed and regular traffic will resume from September 17,” Mishra said.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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