Risk exists, but no need to panic on Nagdhunga-Muglin road!

Dhading, October 8 — Small landslides have blocked the sides of the road, creating significant obstacles to travel. Although some landslides have been cleared, numerous others remain piled up at the roadside.

In some areas, including Krishna Bhir, the road is one-way due to a lack of immediate repairs. However, there are no major disruptions to vehicle movement. This situation is observed on the Nagdhunga–Naubise section of the Tribhuvan Highway and the Naubise–Muglin section of the Prithvi Highway.

According to Superintendent of Police Dipendra Shahi from the Dhadhing District Police Office, "Everyone can travel with ease. We are here 24/7 to prevent any potential disasters and to protect lives and property."

Due to four consecutive days of heavy rainfall a week ago, landslides have occurred frequently, leaving the roads dusty and challenging. Some sections are muddy due to blocked drains and water accumulation. As the road expansion continues, loose soil has been deposited on the road, causing dust when dry and mud when it rains. Drivers are advised to remain cautious and follow traffic rules to avoid accidents.

Various types of vehicles, from motorcycles and scooters to large passenger buses and trucks, are using these roads. The Prithvi Highway is constantly busy with traffic, especially with people returning home for the Dashain festival.

Superintendent Shahi mentioned that traffic police are actively working to clear jams and inspect risky areas. "In this situation, it is impossible to stop vehicles while bulldozers are operating nearby," he noted.

There is excessive dust from Sikrekhola to Nagdhunga on the Tribhuvan Highway, making it difficult for smaller vehicles to navigate. At night, even larger vehicle drivers struggle to estimate their path. Rain can quickly turn dust into slippery mud, posing risks of road collapses.

To address potential accidents, traffic police are jointly deployed at critical locations such as Pipalmod, Jhyaple Khola, and Ganesh Temple.

Most small and light vehicles are currently using the Dharke-Sitapaila road. Many vehicles from Galchi in Dhading enter Kathmandu via Gangate and Chhahare in Nuwakot, and the traffic on this route has increased following repairs on the Chitlang and Palung roads. The burden on the Nagdhunga-Naubise road has decreased as a result, which has also reduced traffic jams, as confirmed by Inspector Suraj Shrestha from the district traffic police office in Gajuri.

The landslides in the Nagdhunga-Naubise area have not been fully contained. There is still a risk of landslides and falling rocks at any time. Police recommend that light vehicles use alternative roads in Dhading, considering the traffic conditions in risky areas. 

The situation remains precarious with blocked drains and landslides affecting both the Naubise-Nagdhunga and Naubise-Muglin sections of the Prithvi Highway.

It is difficult to account for all landslides along the 96-kilometer stretch from Nagdhunga to Muglin. Over 50 locations have experienced landslides that stop vehicles from passing. Traffic police and community police are stationed at previously blocked areas, construction sites, and narrow sections to alert drivers.

Traffic flow on the Prithvi Highway

There are no precise statistics on how many vehicles enter and exit Kathmandu daily through the Nagdhunga checkpoint. It is estimated that around 13,000 vehicles typically pass through, increasing to about 20,000 during festivals. The Metropolitan Police Division at Nagdhunga does not have exact data on passenger and cargo vehicles traveling through the Naubise-Nagdhunga section. Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohan Bahadur Khan from the Bagmati Province Traffic Police Office mentioned, "We don't have exact figures. Dhading and Nagdhunga can estimate that."