The government has estimated that repairing and reconstructing roads and bridges damaged by recent disasters will cost between Rs 20 and Rs 25 billion to fully restore them.

Last week's floods and landslides, triggered by continuous rainfall, caused extensive damage to roads and bridges, placing a significant financial burden on the government to ensure the sustainable operation of these essential infrastructures. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport made this estimate after inspecting the affected areas.

Minister Devendra Dahal said he had written to the Home Ministry, requesting immediate rescue and relief for transport workers stranded in various locations due to the disasters. "The general public is advised to avoid travel during these adverse conditions. If necessary, they are urged to exercise extreme caution and preparedness," Dahal stated. He added that the ministry is coordinating with transport entrepreneurs, Nepal Police, and New Bus Park management to ensure the safe transportation of passengers. They were also instructed to begin advance ticketing on September 28.

The ministry has made efforts to ensure passengers reach their destinations before nightfall.

Detailed assessments are ongoing, but preliminary observations suggest the temporary operation of the damaged roads and bridges will cost around Rs 3 billion, according to Minister Dahal.

Transport Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma reported that over 800 spots along 34 highways were damaged by landslides. Of these, 774 landslips have been cleared. Efforts are underway to remove obstructions at 31 locations on five major highways. Heavy equipment and human resources have been mobilized to clear landslides on 29 highways, he said.

"In response to the Roshi River's current, all necessary measures have been taken to resume transportation temporarily. Work is ongoing to clear landslides along the 80-km stretch from Dolalghat to Rakthum on the Mid-Hill Highway," Secretary Sharma added.  -- RSS