KATHMANDU: Fuel supply to Kathmandu is expected to remain unaffected despite the closure of the Muglin-Nagdhunga road section.
The road was blocked after flooding in the Trishuli River eroded the road at Krishnabhir in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, Dhading, on Sunday morning. The damage has halted traffic along the Prithvi Highway.
With the regular route closed, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has started preparations to transport petroleum products through alternative routes.
NOC spokesperson Manoj Kumar Thakur said discussions are underway to use alternative routes to maintain fuel supplies to Kathmandu and other areas.
According to Thakur, fuel tankers could be routed from Hetauda through the Kanti Lokpath and Tribhuvan Rajpath.
“The road used for regular petroleum transportation is closed. We have started preparations to prevent any fuel shortage in Kathmandu Valley and other areas,” he told MeroAuto.
He said smaller tankers would be used on the alternative routes as larger tankers may face difficulties navigating the roads.
There is no disruption to petroleum imports from India to Nepal, according to the NOC. Fuel continues to arrive at the Amlekhgunj depot through the pipeline from India.
“Fuel imports from India are not affected. Petroleum products are arriving at Amlekhgunj through the pipeline,” Thakur said. “Although the regular route from Amlekhgunj to Kathmandu is closed, we are preparing to use alternative routes. There will be no shortage.”
The NOC also has sufficient fuel stock for the next few days. Tankers that had been held up due to the previous road closure also entered Kathmandu on Saturday, reducing the risk of an immediate shortage.
The Muglin-Nagdhunga road had remained closed for three days earlier this week after debris from floods in the Bhotekoshi River blocked the road. It reopened on Friday evening but was closed again on Sunday morning following the damage at Krishnabhir.
Meanwhile, the Department of Roads has started a technical assessment of the damaged section at Krishnabhir.
A technical team has already reached the site and started assessing the damage. The department will begin repair and restoration work based on the team’s recommendations.
