SATV, Kathmandu, Sept 30- The Department of Roads has stepped up efforts to reopen highways and restore damaged bridges before the Dashain festival, with the Korala border point being given priority to resume Nepal-China trade.

Roads across the country were disrupted by floods and landslides following heavy rainfall on September 24 to 27 and Bhoteksohi flash flood. However, the Department of Roads said the damage was not as extensive as that caused by the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods in Rasuwa and Nuwakot earlier this month.

Shuvaraj Neupane, Director and Spokesperson for the Department of Roads, said teams were working on a war footing to clear blocked sections and that most of the affected roads were expected to reopen shortly within a day or this week.

“Work has started as rainfall has ceased at places where roads can be reopened by clearing landslides. Even where roads have been completely washed away, the damaged stretches are generally short and temporary tracks can be opened,” Engineer Neupane said.

The Department has prioritised strategic highways and key bridges ahead of Dashain. Bridges at Pokharebagar, Maldhunga and Dedgaun along the Kaligandaki Corridor have been damaged, with technical teams assessing whether Bailey bridges should be installed or the existing structures repaired.

Bridge Division Chief Lalijan Khanal said procurement and construction work was being expedited so that transport could resume before Dashain wherever road access was possible.

At Betrawati on the Rasuwagadhi road section, the foundation for a Bailey bridge is almost complete. 

The bridge is expected to be installed before Dashain once the road is reopened for transporting construction materials. However, the road further towards Rasuwagadhi was completely washed away in the August 26 flood and will take longer to restore.

Korala road given priority

The Benighat–Jomsom–Korala road has also been affected after floodwaters washed away the approach to the motorable bridge connecting Pokharebagar and Nauli Bazaar. The bridge itself remains intact, according to the Department. 

As a result, the Korala border point, currently the only operational land-based trade route between Nepal and China, has been disrupted. Neupane said the approach road could be restored within 24 hours once work begins and that the section would be treated as a priority.“Since the bridge is safe, the approach road can be rebuilt within 24 hours of starting the work,” he said.

The Beni-Jomsom section has suffered damage at several locations, particularly Baisari and Sukebagar in Myagdi.

BP Highway likely to take longer

The BP Highway is expected to require more time for restoration because both the road and diversions have been washed away at several locations in Kavrepalanchowk and Sindhuli.

The affected sections include Kaladhunga, Dalabesi, Mamti, Piple, Ghumau­ne, Pinthali Besi and Baluw­a.

Other affected routes include the Prithvi Highway, Mid-Hill Highway, Karnali Highway, Dumre–Besisahar–Chame road and sections of the Kaligandaki Corridor.

The Department said the Kant­i Lokpath had already resumed operation from Tuesday morning, while efforts were continuing to clear landslides on the Prithvi Highway.

Extensive damage to roads and bridges

Preliminary data from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development shows that floods have washed away several road approaches and damaged bridges and road sections.

On the Dumre-Besisahar-Chame road, around 40 metres of road at Rambazar-Syange in Lamjung has been completely eroded by the Marsyangdi River. Another 50-metre section at Bagar Chhap in Manang has also been washed away. Three temporary wooden bridges in Chame were swept away.

The Mid-Hill Highway has suffered significant damage in Baglung and Rukum, while several sections of the Karnali Highway have also been affected.

Several suspension bridges have been completely or partially damaged, including those at Nathigad in Rukum East and Baglung–Parbat Jaljala, while bridges linking Tanahun with Nawalpur, Syangja with Palpa, Palpa with Tanahun, and Parbat with Syangja have sustained partial damage.

The floods have also damaged 31 drinking-water projects, according to preliminary government estimates.

Nepal-China trade disrupted

Damage to roads and bridges has disrupted Nepal-China trade through the country's northern border points.

Following the August 26 flood that damaged the Rasuwagadhi route, trade was diverted to Korala. However, damage to the Beni-Jomsom section has now disrupted trade through Korala as well.

The Araniko Highway remains operational, although China has temporarily suspended one-way trade through the Tatopani border point. Neupane said there was currently no major obstruction on the Nepali side of the Araniko Highway. The Dhulikhel-Khawa section was reopened on Sunday after landslides were cleared. Source : The rising Nepal