Rain Halts Road Travel Across Key Highways; Authorities Suspend Long‑Distance Travel

Continuous rainfall since Friday evening has triggered widespread disruptions across Nepal, forcing authorities to halt vehicular movement along major highways and suspensding long‑distance travel for the coming days.

Traffic police have stopped vehicles at multiple points along the BP Highway, including Dhulikhel, Bhakunde Besi, and Mangaltar, following mudslides that made the route unsafe. Sunil Dhanju, chief of the Kavrepalanchowk Traffic Police Office, said the stoppage aims to protect passengers and drivers from potential hazards. The Department of Roads has further restricted vehicle access to the BP Highway from 10 a.m. today, October 4.

The Araniko Highway, earlier blocked by a landslide at Tirtire Dhara along the Dhulikhel–Khawa section, has reopened for one‑way traffic. 

Meanwhile, the Kanti Highway has been closed until further notice, with the District Administration Office, Lalitpur, citing growing disaster risks from ongoing monsoon‑related activity. Assistant Chief District Officer Gita Ghimire has urged the public to exercise caution and use alternative routes where necessary.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a public notice, suspensding all long‑distance vehicle services in five provinces--Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini, including to and from the Kathmandu Valley, from October 4 to 6. The authority cited increased risks of landslides, flooding, and inundations, and has requested district administrations and security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the suspension.

Meanwhile, long‑distance vehicles that departed Kathmandu earlier today have begun returning, with operators cancelling trips due to hazardous road conditions. “Landslides along the BP Highway, Araniko Highway, and Prithvi Highway have forced vehicles to turn back midway,” said Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office. “At present, all major routes in and out of the Valley are effectively closed. Vehicles are being stationed at safe points to prevent potential loss of life and property.”

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast continuous heavy rainfall until October 6 and urged the public to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

(With inputs from RSS)