Kavreplanchok, July 10: Authorities say any rain-related disruption on the BP Highway's Kavrepalanchok, Sindhuli section will be cleared within 30 minutes this monsoon as reconstruction of the flood-damaged road nears completion.
The Division Road Office, Bhaktapur, said vehicles will begin operating on the newly rebuilt sections within the next few days, replacing the temporary diversions that were frequently washed away during heavy rainfall.
The BP Highway, the shortest route connecting Kathmandu with Nepal's eastern and central hill districts, has repeatedly been blocked during the monsoon because of floods and landslides.
"We have completed preparations to ensure the highway remains operational throughout the rainy season. Even if a disaster blocks the road, our goal is to reopen it within 30 minutes. Heavy equipment has already been deployed at strategic locations," said Senior Divisional Engineer Suman Yogesh, chief of the Division Road Office.
Pasang Lamhu highway obstructed
He said traffic has already resumed on most sections rebuilt along the original alignment. Previously, vehicles relied on temporary diversions through the Roshi River, which were often swept away whenever water levels rose.
According to Yogesh, vehicles are now operating on reconstructed sections from Chaukidanda through Katunjebesi, Laskot, Charsayabesi, Narke, Chiuribas, Boksikuna, and Piple. Authorities have identified Chaukidanda, Charsayabesi, Ghumaunebesi, Boksikuna, Chiuribas, Kaldhunga, and the Piple, Barkhekhola area as high-risk locations during the monsoon.
Gravel has been laid on damaged stretches, while large boulders have been placed at vulnerable points to strengthen the roadway against flood damage.
Floods and landslides in September 2024 severely damaged nearly 30 kilometers of the highway between Bhakundebesi and Nepalthok. Temporary river crossings built after the disaster were repeatedly washed away by flooding, disrupting traffic.
Reconstruction of the 3.2-kilometer Barkhekhola, Piple section is being carried out by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, which is reinforcing the road with earth filling and large boulders.
The overall reconstruction has been divided into four contract packages, three in Kavrepalanchok and one in Sindhuli.
Yogesh said the rebuilt highway will have two lanes, with an additional bridge to be constructed alongside the existing one. Five bridges along the route will also be widened to two lanes.
Of the total 29.5 kilometers requiring reconstruction, JICA is providing a grant of Rs 2.63 billion for the 3.2-kilometer Barkhekhola, Piple section.
Construction of the 160-kilometer BP Highway, linking Dhulikhel, Sindhuli, and Bardibas, began in fiscal year 1996/97 with grant assistance from the Government of Japan.
