Road Department Implements Monsoon Preparedness Plan for Nagdhunga-Muglin Road

Kathmandu. With the monsoon becoming active, the Road Department has implemented a special preparedness action plan in view of potential disasters on the Nagdhunga-Muglin road section, which falls under the Tribhuvan Rajpath and Prithvi Highway. Named '2083 Monsoon Preparedness Action Plan', this plan has set a special strategy to immediately clear the road in case of obstruction due to floods and landslides and to guide passengers to use alternative routes.

Currently, about 64 percent of the Nagdhunga-Naubise (12.2 km) and Naubise-Malekhu (43.5 km) sections, which are under upgrading, have been completed. However, due to the cutting of slopes during road expansion and the weak geological structure, the Road Department's Development Assistance Implementation Division has stated that a team with equipment and manpower has been kept ready so that passengers do not have to suffer during this year's monsoon.

According to the geological study conducted by the project office, nine locations on this road section have been identified as highly prone to landslides. These include Jhyaple Khola, Khatripauwa, and Sikre Khola in the Nagdhunga-Naubise section. Similarly, high alert has been maintained in the 4 km, 7 km, 9 km, 13 km (Koiralebhir), Machedi Khola, and Ghatbesi areas of the Naubise-Malekhu section, where landslides can occur at any time.

The department has adopted various preventive measures to prevent road closures and mitigate risks. Slope management, rock anchoring, micro-piling, and wall construction have been completed in the Jhyaple Khola and Mahesh Khola areas, which have suffered significant damage in the past. In addition, 'bio-engineering' techniques such as planting grass and jute netting have been used in various places.

During disasters, excavator, loader, and tipper technical teams are stationed 24 hours a day at camps including Naubise, Mahadevbesi, Chirauadi, and Ghatbesi to clear the road immediately. The action plan includes effective coordination with the traffic police and local administration to provide real-time information about the road condition to passengers in case of road obstruction.

If the main highway is obstructed for a long time due to heavy rainfall, a clear outline of alternative routes has also been prepared for small and medium-sized vehicles to prevent passengers from being stranded. If the Nagdhunga-Naubise section is closed, vehicles leaving Kathmandu can use the route via Sitapaila-Ramkot-Dharke to reach Galchi. Similarly, the route via Tokha-Trishuli to reach Galchi or Malekhu can also be a good alternative.

In case the Naubise-Galchi section is closed, one can travel from Kathmandu-Nagdhunga-Naubise via Palung-Daman to Hetauda. For passengers going east and south, the route from Kathmandu via Dakshinkali-Chhaimale-Sisneri or Phakel to Kulekhani to reach Hetauda will also remain open. In addition, the department has stated that the BP Highway via Dhulikhel from Kathmandu can also be used as an alternative route.

If the Galchi-Malekhu section is closed, arrangements have been made to use rural unpaved roads and suspension and concrete bridges across the Trishuli River to cover short distances and connect to the main road.

The Road Department has requested all passengers and drivers to plan their journeys accordingly, as advance notice will be issued by the official bodies before any adverse situation arises.