Galchhi, Nepal — The Prithvi Highway, one of Nepal’s primary transport routes connecting Kathmandu with various parts of the country, faces severe challenges as road expansion projects proceed sluggishly, affecting daily commuters, travelers, and tourists alike. Images taken from the highway illustrate the current dire state of the road, marked by muddy patches, large potholes, and dust, raising concerns over road safety and travel convenience.
Despite ongoing efforts by authorities to widen and improve the Prithvi Highway, the progress remains limited, leaving the road in a deteriorated condition. The monsoon season has exacerbated the problem, causing frequent landslides along several sections of the highway. These landslides, coupled with inadequate drainage and unstable slopes, have left parts of the road in an off-road-like state, with sections resembling rugged trails more than a major highway.
Travelers are forced to navigate through muddy, uneven paths filled with potholes, posing significant risks, particularly for motorcyclists. Dust and debris further impair visibility and create an unhealthy environment for nearby communities. Locals residing along the highway are exposed to the dust daily, which poses health risks, while frequent travelers and tourists are left frustrated by the lack of swift development.
The situation on Prithvi Highway underscores a larger issue in Nepal's road infrastructure development. With slow construction progress and minimal temporary measures to manage the current condition, travelers face delays, discomfort, and safety hazards. There are increasing calls for the government and concerned authorities to expedite the highway's development and implement immediate maintenance solutions to alleviate the impact on road users.
As Prithvi Highway remains a critical artery for transportation and tourism, accelerating road improvements is essential not only for easing travel but also for supporting Nepal’s tourism industry. Enhanced safety measures and a faster pace of expansion will be necessary to transform this vital route into a safer, more reliable road for everyone.
