Mahakali flow recedes, traffic eases at Banbasa Bridge and Gaddachauki border

Traffic of four-wheeled vehicles across India's Banbasa Bridge over the Mahakali River in Kanchanpur has resumed after the flood flow decreased.

Cargo and passenger vehicles were halted on the bridge from Sunday as a safety measure after the flow crossed 100,000 cusecs on Saturday evening. According to the District Emergency Operation Centre, the flow had reached nearly 178,000 cusecs by Sunday afternoon.

The centre said the flow at the Sharada Barrage dropped to about 98,000 cusecs by Monday morning. District Police Office Kanchanpur spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Tek Bahadur Rawat, said the bridge is now fully operational as the flow has decreased.

Citing the bridge's poor condition, Indian authorities halt large vehicles as soon as the flow exceeds 100,000 cusecs. According to Chief District Officer Madan Koirala, two-wheelers and pedestrian movement are also halted if the flow exceeds 200,000 cusecs.

Movement between Nepal and India via the western Gaddachauki border point has also become easier. Mahakali Multipurpose Transport Company chairman Nabin Bhatta said bus services from Mahendranagar to Kathmandu and Pokhara resumed today. He said buses toward Kathmandu had been suspended for 4 days and those toward the hill districts of Sudurpashchim for 3 days due to rain.

As the river level has not yet returned to normal, the administration has urged residents of riverside settlements to remain alert and avoid going near rivers and streams.