Mid-Hill Highway reopens one-way as Khurkot-Ghurmi section cleared after landslides

KATHMANDU: The Khurkot-Ghurmi section of the Mid-Hill Highway has reopened for one-way traffic as of today, after being blocked by landslides caused by heavy rainfall several days ago.

The road had been completely closed for five days due to hundreds of landslide-affected areas along the route.

According to Jwala Prasad Neupane, Vice-Chair of Sindhuli’s Golanjor Rural Municipality, the road was cleared after five days of continuous efforts using two bulldozers and excavators from both directions.

The clearing operation involved the Mid-Hill Road Project, local authorities from Golanjor and Fikkal Rural Municipalities, and their coordinated efforts to restore traffic.

The road became operational once the landslide at Kali-Amp was cleared by the equipment from both sides. This section of the highway spans 61 kilometers.

Although traffic has resumed, the risk of dry landslides persists, as the ground remains unstable due to ongoing rains. Travelers have been advised to exercise caution, especially during nighttime, as it could be dangerous. Neupane emphasized the importance of heightened awareness while using the road.

Vice-Chair Raju Baral of Fikkal Rural Municipality noted that while small to medium-sized vehicles, ambulances, and two-wheelers can pass, it remains difficult for larger vehicles in several areas. Despite this, efforts to fully reopen the road are ongoing.

The reopening of the highway has restored road networks in regions like Okhaldhunga, Udayapur, Sindhuli, Solukhumbu, and Khotang.

On a regular day, hundreds of vehicles, including larger ones, use this route, while during festivals like Dashain and Tihar, thousands of vehicles pass through.

Baral further acknowledged the collaborative support from local governments, political parties, civil society, security forces, the road office, and the local administration in reopening the road.