Road transportation to and from the Kathmandu Valley is gradually returning to normalcy as various entry/exit points to the Valley have started reopening. Recent flooding and landslides caused by incessant rains had temporarily closed many roads leading to the federal capital.
Vehicular movement has resumed on the Tribhuvan Highway and the Prithvi Highway after clearing of landslide debris at Jhyaplekhola in Dhading. Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office, Rabin Karki, reported that vehicles exiting the Valley via Sanga Bhanjyang in the east, are operating services up to Chautara via the Araniko Highway and up to Bhakunde Besi via the BP Highway.
Although the transit point toward Nuwakot is open, heavy vehicles are facing operational difficulties on that route. However, the road leading out of the Valley via Dakshinkali remains closed.
Authorities state that it will some take time to fully restore traffic on roads where RCC bridges have been washed away and extensive sections of the roadway have been eroded or swept away by floods and landslides. The landslides and flooding triggered by heavy rainfall on September 27 and 28 damaged over 50 roadways at more than 100 locations across the country, with twenty bridges being swept away.
Security personnel from the Nepalese Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are working tirelessly to transport stranded passengers to their destinations amid the disruptions.
Meanwhile, the number of air passengers has increased in the last three days following the obstruction of roadways leading to and from the federal capital.
A total 559 flights—domestic and international – were operated at Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday alone, said TIA Spokesperson, Rinji Sherpa.
Towards domestic flights, there were 227 departures (including helicopter) and 221 arrivals, said Sherpa. Similarly, towards international flights, there were 56 arrivals and 55 departures.
Likewise, a high number of rescue flights of helicopter have been operated. Air service is the only alternative means of travel during the obstruction of roadways. -- RSS