Landslide at Siddhababa tunnel section, Siddhartha Highway blocked

The Siddhartha Highway, a vital transportation artery, is currently blocked due to a significant landslide in the Siddhababa tunnel area of Tinau Rural Municipality-3, Palpa, Nepal. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when a large volume of debris cascaded down from the hillside, completely obstructing the roadway approximately 100 meters north of the tunnel entrance on the Palpa side.

Authorities have mobilized resources to address the situation. Bhim Lal Bhattarai, Deputy Superintendent of Police and chief of the District Police Office, Palpa, confirmed that efforts are underway to clear the highway. A dozer has been deployed to remove the fallen debris. However, police estimate that the clearing operation will take one to two hours to complete, depending on the stability of the site once the initial fall has ceased.

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After the landslide stopped falling, work began using a dozer to clear the road, but it would take one to two hours.

Given the high risk of landslides in the Siddhababa region, police are advising passengers and drivers to proceed with extreme caution. The blockage has significantly impacted traffic flow along the Palpa-Butwal section of the highway, causing delays and disruptions for commuters and goods transport.

The Siddhababa area is known for its susceptibility to landslides, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. This recurring natural hazard poses a continuous challenge to maintaining the accessibility and safety of the Siddhartha Highway, a crucial link for regional connectivity.

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Since the Siddhababa area faces a high risk of landslides, police have urged passengers and drivers to exercise caution.