Nepal Suspends Kathmandu Transport as Landslides Block Highways
Nepal suspended public transport to and from Kathmandu after heavy rain triggered landslides and blocked major highways, disrupting travel across the country.
Nepal suspended public transport services to and from Kathmandu on Friday after heavy rain triggered landslides and blocked key highways connecting the capital with several regions. Authorities have also warned residents against unnecessary travel as more rainfall is expected.
The Prithvi Highway and BP Highway were among the routes affected by landslides. The Prithvi Highway connects Kathmandu with parts of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, while the BP Highway provides links towards Madhesh and eastern Nepal.
Authorities imposed overnight travel restrictions on a section of the BP Highway in Kavrepalanchok, advising people to avoid the route between 5 pm and 5 am until Sunday. In Chitwan, the Prithvi Highway and Narayanghat-Muglin road were closed because of landslides and the possibility of further blockages.
Landslides were also reported at several locations in neighbouring Dhading. Long-distance buses were held at Kathmandu’s Gongabu bus park to prevent congestion and protect passengers while clearance operations continued.
Some light vehicles were still using alternative routes between Kathmandu and Hetauda, while motorists were warned against parking near river corridors as water levels continued to rise.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has advised people to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly at night, amid forecasts of heavy rainfall through September 28.
With highways turning into landslide zones and buses being told to stay put, Nepal’s monsoon season is once again reminding everyone that mountain roads do not negotiate with bad weather.
