Gorkha — The Benighat–Arughat–Larke road has been completely obstructed since Tuesday evening after a massive dry landslide with boulders struck the Kalabhir area near Dobhan in Dharche Rural Municipality.
According to local youth Raj Gorkhali, large rocks fell from above, washing away the very base of the road. Chairperson Laxman Gurung said a smaller landslide had occurred at the same spot a day earlier, which was temporarily cleared using a dozer. However, a much larger slide the following morning caused severe damage, sweeping away the road foundation.
He added that reconstruction will now likely require blasting operations to rebuild a new base. Following the incident, the Nepali Army has begun an on-site assessment of the damage.
According to Battalion Chief Birodh Rijal of the Rudradhwaj Battalion, a technical team from the road construction task force has been dispatched to the site. “Only after the team submits its report will the actual condition of the road and the process for reopening be determined,” he said.
With the road fully blocked, vehicular movement in the area has come to a complete halt, disrupting the transport of daily essentials. Tourists traveling toward the Manaslu region have been particularly affected.
Local authorities have urged travelers to use an alternative foot trail across the river. This strategically important road, which connects northern Gorkha to the Chinese border, has been under construction for the past seven years.
The total length of the road from Benighat to Larke Pass is 154 kilometers. Track has been opened in 97 kilometers, while construction continues in the remaining sections.
The Nepali Army has completed 62 kilometers of road from Benighat to Hawa Danda and has been assigned responsibility for the remaining 92 kilometers up to Larke Pass. So far, 35 kilometers of track have been opened in that section, with limited vehicle movement already in operation.
Initiated in 2052 B.S., the project has faced repeated delays due to difficult geography, particularly in rocky cliff areas. The latest landslide has added further challenges to both construction and operation of the road.
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