KATHMANDU: The Narayangadh-Muglin road section has remained closed for the third consecutive day after repeated landslides near Tuin River in Ichchakamana Rural Municipality.
The road has been blocked since Friday evening, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and over 11,000 vehicles stuck in traffic.
According to the Division Road Office, clearing work has been difficult as fresh landslides continue to fall from above. Chief Narayan Lamichhane said heavy equipment has been deployed from both Narayangadh and Muglin sides to remove the debris.
Around 160 meters of the road have been covered by mud and rocks, with landslides falling from a height of about 70 meters.
Authorities stopped clearance work on Saturday night due to safety concerns and resumed it on Sunday morning. Officials have expressed hope that traffic could resume by this afternoon if no further landslides occur.
Meanwhile, the District Administration Office has advised vehicles to take alternative routes until the road reopens. More than 10,000 vehicles use this section daily, making it one of the busiest highways in the country.
Local youths, distributed free food, water and snacks to stranded passengers on Saturday. Arrangements for shelter were also made at Magar Samaj Muglin for those unable to travel.
Police officials confirmed that clearance work is ongoing with multiple machines in operation. The situation remains uncertain as rainfall and unstable slopes continue to pose risks of further landslides.
