DHADING — Two-way traffic has resumed on the Prithvi Highway after workers successfully cleared massive boulders and landslide debris at Chalise in Gajuri Rural Municipality-2, Dhading. Provided there are no further disruptions, officials prepare to fully restore round-the-clock traffic by 1:00 PM on Wednesday.
Although one-way traffic was briefly opened on Monday evening, subsequent mudslides caused further blockages, hindering two-way movement. According to Guru Prasad Adhikari, Chief of the Eastern Section of the Nagdhunga–Naubise–Muglin Road Project, heavy equipment widened the passage to allow bi-directional movement on Tuesday. While initial estimates anticipated clearing the road within 4 to 6 hours, heightened hazard levels pushed the operation to nearly 9 hours.
Officials emphasize that the current reopening is a temporary measure rather than a permanent solution. Mud and debris continue to trickle down at the Parewabhir section, where loaders remain actively deployed for ongoing clearance.
Chief District Officer Lakshmi Pandey Gautam informed that manpower and excavators have been continuously deployed across vulnerable segments of the highway. Traffic has also been restored to two-way operations in the Krishna Bhir area.
Despite rainfall subsiding, the administration warns that risks of fresh landslides and road subsidence remain elevated. Authorities urge all drivers, passengers, and road users to exercise extreme caution and strictly abide by traffic rules while traveling along the corridor.