Bhotkhola: Vehicular movement along the Hunggung road section of the Koshi Highway in Bhotkhola rural municipality, located in the Sankhuwasabha district, has been brought to a complete standstill for the past three days due to a landslide. The road, which connects the district headquarters of Khandbari to the Kimathanka point on the Nepal-China border, experienced a significant landslide last Thursday.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Ram Bahadur Gurung, Chief of the North-South Koshi Road Project, reported that a massive mudslide comprised of rocks, soil, and bushes had covered approximately 300 meters of the road. Gurung explained that since the road is still under construction, deploying machines to clear the debris and restore traffic is currently not feasible.
The steep terrain and continuous rainfall have further complicated efforts to reopen the road, Gurung noted. The blockage has disrupted the transportation of essential goods, such as daily consumables, fuel, and construction materials. Travelers relying on this route are facing significant inconveniences as the highway remains closed.
While landslides are common in this region during the monsoon season, Gurung indicated that this particular landslide is larger than usual, diminishing hopes for the highway’s quick reopening. Although efforts are ongoing to clear the debris, the prospects for resuming traffic remain bleak.