KATHMANDU: Vehicles have started using the newly constructed track at Krishnabhir along the Prithvi Highway in Dhading.
The track was opened for trial movement on Sunday afternoon after the road surface was leveled. An empty gas bullet, tipper and other vehicles were used for the trial.
According to the Road Division Office, Bharatpur, around 20 vehicles, including a gas bullet, were allowed to pass from Kathmandu towards Chitwan. A heavy vehicle traveling from Chitwan towards Kathmandu also successfully crossed the new track.
However, regular traffic will take a few more days to resume. The Prithvi Highway section has remained closed for around 15 days after the Trishuli River flood on August 26 washed away part of the road.
A 252-metre-long new track has been opened above the damaged section of the old road.
Work to develop the track into a two-lane road began on September 5. Leveling work has been completed, while graveling and compaction work are still underway.
Authorities are speeding up the remaining work to make the road fully operational. The target is to resume vehicle movement within this month.
The initial focus is on allowing stranded gas bullets and vehicles carrying heavy equipment to pass through the new route.
