Last Updated on September 25, 2026 by alizni
Continuous heavy rainfall across Nepal has severely disrupted the country’s transport network, leading to major highway closures and traffic diversions. With key arterial routes like the Prithvi Highway and the Kanti Highway temporarily blocked due to landslides, the historic Tribhuvan Highway (Tribhuvan Rajpath) has seen an unprecedented surge in vehicular traffic. To manage this sudden bottleneck and ensure public safety, the District Administration Office (DAO) of Makwanpur has announced a new alternating time schedule for vehicles operating along this route.
The Reason Behind the Temporary Traffic Changes
Monsoon season in Nepal frequently brings torrential rains, triggering landslides and debris flows in the hilly terrains. Recently, severe weather conditions caused significant blockages on both the Prithvi Highway—the primary roadway connecting Kathmandu to the rest of the country—and the Kanti Highway. With these two major routes out of service, the entire burden of connecting Hetauda and Kathmandu has fallen upon the Tribhuvan Highway.
Because the Tribhuvan Highway features narrow lanes, sharp bends, and steep inclines, it is not built to seamlessly handle the massive volume of heavy freight trucks, passenger buses, and light vehicles simultaneously. The sudden influx of diverted traffic led to severe gridlocks, extending travel times by several hours and posing serious safety risks to commuters. In response to this emergency, local authorities stepped in to regulate the flow of vehicles.
Details of the Tribhuvan Highway Alternating Schedule
To mitigate the extreme congestion, the Makwanpur District Administration Office, under the leadership of the Chief District Officer, has decided to implement a time-card system. Under this new rule, vehicles traveling from Hetauda to Kathmandu and those heading from Kathmandu to Hetauda will be allowed to pass at separate, designated intervals.
This systematic, one-way alternating traffic flow ensures that vehicles do not cross paths on the narrowest and most dangerous stretches of the highway. By dividing the travel windows, traffic police can manage the volume more effectively, preventing deadlock situations where vehicles block both lanes. Commuters and transport operators are strongly urged to check the official timetables released by local authorities before embarking on their journey to avoid prolonged waiting times at checkposts.
Impact on Travelers and the Supply Chain
The disruption of Nepal’s highway network has immediate consequences for both daily commuters and the national economy. Kathmandu relies heavily on these highways for the import of daily necessities, including fresh vegetables, dairy products, petroleum products, and industrial raw materials. Delays on the road mean potential supply shortages and price fluctuations in the capital city.
For public transport passengers, the new schedule means longer travel times and the need for careful planning. Travel agencies and bus operators are adjusting their departure schedules to align with the DAO’s designated time slots. While these measures may cause temporary inconvenience, they are vital for preventing long-term blockages and ensuring that vehicles can move safely without getting stranded on landslide-prone cliffs.
Essential Safety Tips for Navigating Monsoon Highways
Driving through Nepal’s hilly highways during the monsoon season requires extreme caution. If you must travel along the Tribhuvan Highway during this period, keep the following safety guidelines in mind:
- Stay Updated: Always check the latest road condition reports from the Nepal Police or local district administration offices before starting your trip.
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle’s brakes, tires, wipers, and headlights are in perfect working condition. Wet and slippery roads reduce traction significantly.
- Avoid Night Driving: Landslide risks increase at night when visibility is low. Try to schedule your travel during daylight hours.
- Carry Emergency Supplies: Keep extra water, snacks, essential medicines, and a fully charged power bank in your vehicle in case you get stuck in a traffic delay.
- Follow Traffic Police Instructions: Cooperate with the traffic police officers stationed along the route. Do not attempt to overtake recklessly or violate the designated time slots.
Conclusion
The implementation of an alternating traffic schedule on the Tribhuvan Highway is a necessary intervention to keep the lifeline to Kathmandu open during a challenging monsoon season. While the closure of the Prithvi and Kanti highways has created logistical hurdles, the coordinated efforts of the Makwanpur District Administration and traffic police aim to minimize risk and keep traffic moving. Travelers are advised to remain patient, plan ahead, and prioritize safety above all else during this period.
