KATHMANDU: The Department of Roads has prepared a monsoon preparedness action plan to manage possible blockages on the Nagdhunga-Muglin road section during the rainy season. The plan focuses on quick response to landslides, floods, and other weather-related disruptions on the Prithivi Highway, a key route connecting Kathmandu with western Nepal.
The Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project (Eastern Section) has identified high-risk areas by studying past incidents and recent data. The department has prepared measures for before, during, and after disasters, including manpower management, equipment deployment, and emergency budget arrangements.
Heavy equipment including backhoe loaders, excavators, and dump trucks have been kept ready at locations such as Naubise, Satkila Crusher Plant, 12 Kilo Crusher area, Ghatbesi, and Belkhu Plant. These resources will be used to clear blocked roads and restore traffic movement.
According to the action plan, landslide debris will be removed immediately, washed-away sections will be restored by cutting and opening temporary tracks, and damaged structures will be repaired after disasters.
Nine locations identified as landslide risk zones
The department has identified nine high-risk locations along the Nagdhunga-Muglin road section. These include Jhayple Khola, Khatripauwa, Dhunibesi, Sikre Khola, 4 Kilo, 7 Kilo, 9 Kilo, 13 Kilo, Koirale Bhir-Machedi Khola, and Ghatbesi areas.
Slope management, soil anchoring, and bio-engineering works have been completed in Jhayple Khola based on previous landslide incidents. Rock anchoring and retaining wall works have also been carried out in the Mahesh Khola erosion area.
Alternative routes planned during blockage
The department has identified alternative routes if the Nagdhunga-Muglin road is blocked.
If the Nagdhunga-Naubise section is closed, vehicles can use Sitapaila-Ramkot-Dharke-Galchhi or Tokha-Trishuli-Galchhi routes. For eastern and southern destinations, routes through Kanti Lokpath, Pharping-Dakshinkali-Sisneri-Fakhel-Hetauda, or BP Highway can be used.
If the Naubise-Galchhi section is affected, the Kathmandu-Nagdhunga-Naubise-Palung-Daman-Hetauda route will be available. For the Galchhi-Malekhu section, local routes around Trishuli River crossings will be used during emergencies.
The department has advised passengers to check weather and road conditions before traveling during the monsoon season.
Road upgrading progress
The eastern section of the Nagdhunga-Muglin road is being upgraded under two packages. The overall physical progress has reached 64.47 percent.
The 12.2 km Nagdhunga-Naubise section is nearing completion, with 87.52 percent progress. Earthwork, structures, drainage, and sub-base works have been completed, while final blacktop work remains.
The 43.5 km Naubise-Malekhu section has achieved around 58 percent progress. Earthwork is 94.3 percent complete and bridge construction is 88.5 percent complete. However, asphalt work remains incomplete, leaving around 15 km of road section unpaved.
