Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by alizni
Continuous heavy rainfall across Nepal has triggered extensive landslides and flash floods, crippling overland transport across several major arterial routes. Among the worst affected is the Prithvi Highway, the country’s primary lifeline connecting the capital city, Kathmandu, with the western regions and key tourist hubs like Pokhara and Chitwan. Alongside this critical transit highway, official reports indicate that more than a dozen major road sections across the nation have been rendered completely impassable, leaving thousands of passengers, private vehicles, and freight trucks stranded.
The sudden surge in monsoon rainfall has severely weakened hillside slopes, sending massive volumes of mud, rocks, and uprooted trees tumbling onto busy roadways. Traffic authorities and emergency responder units are working around the clock under hazardous weather conditions to clear debris and safely restore transit flow.
Prithvi Highway Blocked at Parewabhir in Dhading
The movement of vehicles along the Prithvi Highway came to a complete standstill early in the morning following a massive landslide at Parewabhir, situated in Gajuri Rural Municipality-2 of Dhading district. Debris began pouring down from the steep cliff face above around 4:55 AM, burying both lanes of the highway under heavy debris and boulder deposits.
According to updates from the Nepal Police Headquarters, the two-way traffic flow remains entirely halted as continuous rockfalls pose a constant threat to clearing operations. The Parewabhir stretch is historically prone to slope instability during heavy downpours, making clearance work particularly hazardous for heavy machinery operators. Dozers and excavators mobilized by the Department of Roads are currently on standby and operating whenever weather conditions temporarily clear enough to allow safe intervention.
BP Highway and Regional Arteries Severely Impacted
The transportation network in eastern Nepal is facing similar disruptions. The Kavre stretch of the BP Highway, another critical connection linking Kathmandu with the eastern Tarai plains, has been obstructed by rain-induced landslides and river overflow. Collapsed cliff sections and mudslides have blocked essential sections, disrupting short- and long-distance vehicular movement.
Beyond the Prithvi and BP Highways, police officials confirm that more than 12 significant road corridors across central, eastern, and mid-western Nepal are currently obstructed. Mountainous terrain, unstable geological formations, and saturated topsoil have led to simultaneous blockages, cutting off vital district headquarters and rural municipalities from major commercial centers.
Economic Impact and Supply Chain Challenges
Highways like the Prithvi and BP corridors are not just passenger routes; they serve as the vital arteries of Nepal’s domestic commerce. Thousands of supply vehicles move along these highways daily, transporting fresh produce, milk, livestock, construction materials, and imported goods into the Kathmandu Valley.
Extended highway closures raise immediate concerns regarding local supply chains. Perishable goods trapped in long traffic queues risk spoilage, leading to potential market shortages and price spikes in urban areas. Furthermore, local travel operators and tourism service providers are experiencing severe scheduling delays, with hundreds of intercity express buses halted along river corridors like the Trishuli and Sunkoshi.
Safety Precautions for Monsoon Highway Travel
With weather forecasts predicting continued precipitation in several parts of the country, transport authorities have urged motorists and commuters to avoid non-essential travel along hilly and mountainous routes. Drivers currently navigating these highways are advised to adhere to essential safety guidelines:
- Check Live Traffic Updates: Always verify current road conditions through local police headlines, traffic radio, or official highway hotline services before starting a journey.
- Avoid Nighttime Travel: Visibility drops significantly during nocturnal downpours, making it nearly impossible to spot rolling stones or emerging landslide cracks on the road ahead.
- Maintain Safe Distance: Keep ample distance from unstable hill slopes, cliff edges, and high-water riverbanks. Avoid parking vehicles directly underneath loose rock formations.
- Carry Emergency Supplies: Drivers undertaking long-distance journeys should pack basic survival supplies, including non-perishable snacks, drinking water, first-aid kits, and fully charged mobile devices with power banks.
Conclusion
The widespread road blockages highlight Nepal’s ongoing vulnerability to heavy monsoon rains and fragile mountain topography. While heavy equipment crews are actively working to reopen blocked sectors like Parewabhir on the Prithvi Highway, progress depends heavily on weather stability. Travelers are strongly encouraged to exercise extreme caution, stay informed through official traffic reports, and defer high-risk mountain highway journeys until weather conditions settle and clearance operations are fully completed.