Prithvi Highway shutdown puts Kathmandu supplies under pressure

Nepal's vital Prithvi Highway, the main artery for food and fuel into the capital, remains impassable following devastating floods that began Wednesday morning. The prolonged closure has sparked significant concern over potential disruptions to supplies reaching the Kathmandu Valley.

Efforts to clear the debris and repair the extensive damage are underway, but officials caution that a full reopening is uncertain. Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi stated that while work is progressing, authorities cannot guarantee the highway will be fully operational by Friday, three days after the initial flood event.

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We, however, cannot ascertain that the highway will be opened for traffic by Friday.

The flash floods, originating from the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli river system, have inflicted severe damage, washing away approximately 40 kilometers of roads and destroying at least 19 bridges along critical transport corridors. This destruction has prompted high-alert warnings for several sections of the highway and adjoining routes.

Engineers are working diligently to clear mudslides and reopen sections of the road, with some areas seeing alternating one-way traffic. However, the threat of further rainfall looms, potentially necessitating renewed closures. The disruption comes at a sensitive time, with the autumn festive season approaching, raising fears of artificial shortages and black marketing as traders may attempt to exploit the situation.

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We are trying to clear the mudslides, working the whole day. Let’s see how much can be done. Earthmovers are operating until 5 pm every day.