A diversion is currently being constructed by redirecting the river flow along the Kavrepalanchok section of the highway. According to Senior Divisional Engineer Suman Yogesh of the Division Road Office, Bhaktapur, a track has already been opened from Chaukidanda in Namobuddha Municipality–6 to Chiuribas in Roshi Rural Municipality as of this morning.
He stated that the plan is to open the entire damaged section of the highway by this afternoon.
“After opening the track, we will assess the road condition and test it with a few vehicles. The highway is expected to be fully operational from Saturday morning,” Yogesh said.
The Roshi River flood had washed away around four kilometers of the road, prompting the construction of the diversion from Tuesday. Yogesh mentioned that about two dozen machines are being used to build the temporary road, with work continuing through Thursday afternoon and night.
“Once all tracks are open, we’ll carry out additional repairs on sharp turns and narrow sections. The road should be cleared by this evening,” he added. Currently, diversion work is ongoing in the Mamtikhola area of Roshi Rural Municipality.
The floods and landslides damaged 17 sections of the highway. Last year’s monsoon had similarly damaged parts of the same route, which was temporarily reopened through diversions.
On Thursday, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising inspected the damaged areas and instructed officials to accelerate diversion construction to reopen the road as soon as possible. He directed that work continue even at night to ensure vehicle movement resumes by this evening.
Meanwhile, the Division Road Office has initiated tender processes for the permanent reconstruction of the highway in four segments. The highway serves as one of the shortest routes connecting eastern Nepal, with thousands of vehicles traveling daily.
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