Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by alizni
Travelers heading to and from the Kathmandu Valley face significant delays following a sudden dry landslide that triggered a total traffic blockage on the Prithvi Highway early in the morning. The incident occurred at Ghoptebhir, located near Kurintar in Chitwan district, shutting down movement in both directions along one of Nepal’s most crucial vehicular arteries.
With hundreds of passenger vehicles, heavy freight trucks, and private cars stranded on both sides of the landslide zone, emergency clearance operations have been launched by local road authorities to restore two-way traffic as quickly as possible.
Dry Landslide Halts Traffic at Ghoptebhir
The blockage was caused by a dry landslide—a sudden fall of rock, soil, and loose terrain that occurs without the immediate presence of heavy rainfall. Dry landslides are a frequent hazard along the steep, fractured rock faces of the Trishuli River corridor, where ongoing weather erosion and slope destabilization can trigger unexpected rockfalls even during clear weather.
The incident at Ghoptebhir has completely obstructed the carriageway. Local traffic police and road authorities immediately rushed to the scene to secure the area, stop incoming vehicles at safe distances, and assess the volume of debris blocking the road. Due to the high cliff face and continuous risk of falling rock fragments, movement across the affected stretch was completely suspended to prevent accidents and protect commuters.
Clearance Operations and Estimated Restoration Timeline
Efforts to clear the massive pile of earth and boulders are actively underway. Heavy excavators and loaders have been deployed to the site by the Nagdhunga–Mugling Road Project (West Section) to remove the debris and open up the lane.
According to Engineer Sachindra Mishra of the Nagdhunga–Mugling Road Project West Section, specialized road maintenance machinery is operating on-site to remove the fallen earth and large rocks. Engineer Mishra stated that, under favorable conditions and assuming no additional rocks fall from the hillside, it is estimated to take around three hours to clear the roadway and resume vehicular traffic.
Authorities are prioritizing safe clearance before permitting vehicles to pass, as clearing dry landslides often involves removing overhangs and unstable rocks that threaten to tumble onto the highway during excavation work.
Impact on Travelers and Freight Supply Lines
The Prithvi Highway serves as the main overland lifeline connecting Kathmandu with western Nepal, including key economic hubs such as Pokhara, Narayangadh, and essential border trade routes. Any disruption on this corridor immediately reverberates across the national transit network.
Long queues of intercity buses, daily passenger vans, private cars, and cargo trucks have formed along the highway stretch near Kurintar, Mugling, and Ichhyakamana. Passengers traveling toward Kathmandu for business, medical needs, or academic commitments are experiencing extended delays. Similarly, vehicles carrying perishable agricultural goods, dairy products, and industrial supplies are held up until the roadway is cleared and certified safe for movement.
Safety Advisory for Highway Travelers
Navigating hilly highway corridors in Nepal requires heightened caution, especially in areas prone to rockfalls and dry landslides like Ghoptebhir, Jogimara, and Krishnabhir. Travelers planning journeys along the Prithvi Highway during active maintenance windows should take the following precautions:
- Check Live Traffic Updates: Contact local traffic police control rooms or monitor highway updates before embarking on long-distance road trips.
- Maintain Safe Intervals: Keep a safe distance from preceding vehicles near vulnerable cliff edges and avoid stopping directly beneath loose rock slopes.
- Carry Basic Emergency Supplies: Keep extra drinking water, snacks, mobile charging banks, and basic medications in your vehicle in case of unexpected road blockages.
- Follow Traffic Control Instructions: Adhere strictly to directions from traffic officers and road project workers on site. Do not attempt to bypass queues or drive on the wrong side of the road, as lane clutter prevents heavy clearance machinery from reaching the blockage zone.
Conclusion
The sudden dry landslide at Ghoptebhir near Kurintar highlights the constant vulnerability of Nepal’s mountain highway network to natural terrain shifts. As the Nagdhunga–Mugling Road Project team works diligently with heavy equipment to clear the debris, travelers are advised to exercise patience, follow official instructions, and plan their journeys with extra buffer time until full two-way traffic is restored on the Prithvi Highway.