Last Updated on September 17, 2026 by AMH
In a major relief for commuters, transport entrepreneurs, and businesses across Nepal, the vital Prithvi Highway has fully reopened for two-way traffic at the Krishnabhir section in Dhading district. The crucial highway link, which connects the capital city of Kathmandu with the rest of the country, had been completely severed following a severe road collapse. After eighteen days of round-the-clock construction, authorities successfully opened a newly constructed track, restoring normalcy to one of the nation’s busiest transport corridors.
According to the District Administration Office in Dhading, vehicles have started operating bidirectionally on the new track since 6:00 AM on Thursday, Ashoj 1. The reopening comes at a critical time as Nepal prepares for its major festive season, during which hundreds of thousands of people travel back to their hometowns from Kathmandu.
The Critical Role of the Prithvi Highway and the Krishnabhir Bottleneck
The Prithvi Highway is widely considered the lifeline of Kathmandu. It carries the bulk of daily passenger traffic, emergency medical vehicles, and heavy cargo trucks carrying essential commodities, fuel, and food supplies from India and the southern plains of Nepal. Any disruption on this highway immediately impacts the market prices and supply chains in the capital valley.
The Krishnabhir section in Dhading has historically been one of the most vulnerable stretches of this highway. Known for its fragile geological structure, the area has faced numerous landslides and soil erosion challenges over the decades. The recent road collapse was particularly severe, completely sinking a major portion of the highway and making it impossible for even light vehicles to pass. This unexpected disaster effectively isolated Kathmandu from major land transport routes, causing stranded passengers and halting supply trucks along the highway.
Eighteen Days of Intense Engineering and Reconstruction
Restoring a collapsed highway section in a geologically unstable zone like Krishnabhir is no small feat. For eighteen days, engineers, heavy equipment operators, and labor crews worked under highly challenging conditions to carve out a completely new track. The Department of Roads, in coordination with local authorities and security personnel, mobilized multiple excavators, loaders, and technical teams to expedite the process.
The construction teams had to cut through tough rocky terrain and stabilize the surrounding slopes to ensure the safety of the new track. Unpredictable weather conditions and the constant threat of minor rockfalls added to the complexity of the project. Despite these hurdles, the relentless effort of the ground staff ensured that the new track was ready for two-way traffic within the estimated timeframe, preventing prolonged economic damage to the country.
District Administration Office Issues Smooth Transition Updates
The District Administration Office of Dhading confirmed that the newly constructed track underwent rigorous safety assessments before being opened to the public. As of Thursday morning, traffic flow has resumed in both directions, resolving the massive bottleneck that had accumulated on both sides of the landslide zone.
Traffic police and local volunteers have been deployed at the Krishnabhir stretch to manage the initial rush of vehicles. Hundreds of cargo containers and passenger buses that were rerouted or halted have now begun their journeys toward their respective destinations. Authorities have urged drivers to maintain patience and adhere to the instructions of traffic personnel on-site to avoid congestion on the fresh track.
Crucial Travel Advisory and Safety Measures for Drivers
While the opening of the two-way track is a massive achievement, transport authorities have advised motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving through the Krishnabhir section. Since the track is newly constructed, the soil and gravel may take some time to settle completely.
Drivers are highly encouraged to follow these safety guidelines:
- Maintain Low Speeds: Speed limits must be strictly adhered to while crossing the newly built track to prevent skidding.
- Avoid Overtaking: Overtaking on this sensitive stretch is strictly prohibited to prevent traffic jams and accidents.
- Monitor Weather Conditions: Heavy rainfall can still trigger minor mudslides, so drivers should stay updated on local weather forecasts.
- Follow Lane Discipline: Keeping to designated lanes will ensure a continuous and smooth flow of traffic for both light and heavy vehicles.
Conclusion
The successful construction of the new track at Krishnabhir and the subsequent resumption of two-way traffic on the Prithvi Highway is a commendable achievement by the Nepali authorities and engineering teams. It brings immense relief to the public, especially with the festive season just around the corner. Moving forward, the government must prioritize long-term geological stabilization and structural reinforcement along vulnerable highway zones to prevent such disruptive collapses from happening in the future.
