Prithvi Highway reopens to two-way traffic at Krishnabhir after 18-day closure

Traffic on the Prithvi Highway through Krishnabhir has resumed in both directions after a landslide and river erosion left the key road section blocked for 18 days.

A new track constructed above the collapsed section of the highway began operating from around 6 am Thursday, allowing vehicles traveling between Kathmandu and Narayanghat to use the route normally again.

The road had been severely damaged after the Trishuli River eroded its base, causing nearly 100 meters of the highway to collapse. Authorities cut into the nearby hillside to construct an alternative track and worked continuously to restore traffic.

Dhading Chief District Officer Laxmi Pandey said vehicles had already begun moving smoothly in both directions and that there were no immediate problems with the new track. A dedicated team comprising technicians, machinery and security personnel has been deployed to address any minor problems and carry out immediate maintenance if required.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution because of the ongoing rainy season.

The closure had caused significant disruption to passenger and freight transport. Large trucks, tourist buses and LPG tankers were unable to use the highway, while many vehicles were forced to take the longer and more difficult route through Hetauda.

According to Chitwan District Police Office Superintendent Rameshwor Paudel, around 1,900 vehicles stranded on the Chitwan side were sent toward Kathmandu after the road reopened Wednesday evening. Regular two-way traffic resumed from Thursday morning.

Transport operators and drivers welcomed the reopening. Microbus operator Raju Thapa said he had been using two vehicles to ferry passengers to and from the landslide area, requiring travelers to walk across the damaged section before transferring to another vehicle.

Truck driver Shiv Kumar Tharu said the Hetauda route had been difficult because of its narrow and damaged roads. Another truck driver, Khushiyal Pathan, said traveling via Hetauda was longer and more expensive, making the reopening of the Prithvi Highway a major relief.

Bus driver Ashish Chhetri said his journey to Kathmandu via Hetauda had previously taken two days because of congestion and difficult road conditions. Bus operator Rupesh Pariyar said he had stopped operating services between Thori and Kathmandu because the alternative route was too long and costly.

The Department of Roads said necessary manpower, equipment and resources had been mobilized to complete the track within the targeted period. Officials said further technical studies will be carried out to develop a more durable solution for the damaged section.

The Prithvi Highway is a major transport corridor linking Kathmandu with western and southern parts of the country and carries an estimated 10,000 vehicles daily. Its prolonged closure had disrupted the movement of essential commodities, including food and cooking gas.