KATHMANDU: Vehicular traffic resumed on Arniko Highway, the only road link to Nepal-China border point in Tatopani, on Monday after nearly three weeks of disruption.
The highway, which had been blocked since September 1 due to landslides, came back into operation from Monday afternoon after workers and machines removed debris from five locations, including Irkhu and Kodari, in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-2 of Sindhupalchowk.
The vital trade link between Nepal and China have faced disruptions a number of times this year. It was reopened on August 20 after a disruption of nearly 18 days. However, it was blocked again on August 25. Although vehicular traffic resumed on the road after five days, landslides blocked the road again the very next day. This left hundreds of containers carrying goods from Dashain festival from China stranded at the border.
With the resumption of traffic, containers bringing goods from China have started moving across the border.
Meanwhile, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kul Man Ghising, Secretary Keshav Sharma, Director General of the Department of Roads Bijay Jaishi and other high-ranking officials made a site inspection of the highway to assess its condition.
During the inspection, discussions were also held with residents of Irkhu, the area most affected by landslides, on measures that need to be taken to reduce risks on settlement and long-term technical interventions needed too ensure uninterrupted movement of vehicular traffic.
The locals had earlier obstructed efforts to clear debris expressing dissatisfaction over frequent disruption of vehicular traffic. Minister Ghising had invited local community leaders to his residence and sought their facilitation to bring the key trade infrastructure back into operation.
