Work continues to reopen BP Highway; Khurkot-Bhakundebeshi section still closed

The Khurkot-Bhakundebeshi section of the BP Highway, blocked by landslides and erosion by the Roshi River, remained closed on Monday as well.

Kavre Chief District Officer Gopal Kumar Adhikari said vehicles could resume plying the section from Tuesday afternoon, Asoj 13, if weather permits. The highway was completely blocked after landslides struck at Choukidanda in Namobuddha-6, Charsaybesi in Roshi-7, Gimdibesi in Roshi-8 and Mamti in Roshi-11.

At Choukidanda, the Roshi River has eroded away the diversion itself. Although landslide debris has been cleared at some locations, the CDO said reopening the Choukidanda area could still take more time.

Technicians at the Road Division Office said floods washed away a large section of road on the final Kavre-side stretch under the Japanese contract, and that work is expected to be completed by Tuesday. A team from the Bhaktapur Road Division Office has been deployed since early Monday morning to clear the obstruction.

The highway has been undergoing permanent reconstruction since floods in the second week of Asoj 2081 caused major damage to the Kavre section. At the time, large sections of road were washed away and temporary diversions were built at various points to restore traffic quickly. The highway's reconstruction is being carried out in four packages.