Dhading, Nepal – August 8, 2025
Continuous rainfall triggered multiple landslides along the Prithvi Highway on Thursday night, severely disrupting vehicular movement and highlighting the increasing vulnerability of Nepal’s key transport arteries to climate-induced hazards.
One of the major landslides occurred near Jahare Khet in Gajuri Rural Municipality, completely blocking both lanes of the highway. Authorities report that vehicles traveling from and to the federal capital, Kathmandu, including early morning departures and incoming night buses, were brought to a standstill.
According to Suraj Shrestha, Chief of the District Traffic Police Office in Dhading, efforts are ongoing to clear the debris and resume traffic flow. "Due to the continuous rain and the gradual movement of the landslide, the clearing process has become more challenging," he said, adding that it may take at least three hours to reopen the road at Jahare Khet alone.
To manage congestion, traffic police have temporarily stopped vehicles at multiple points along the route to prevent long tailbacks near the affected areas. Other sections of the highway have also been reduced to one-way operation due to minor slides and road damage.
This incident once again exposes the fragility of Nepal’s mountainous road infrastructure during the monsoon season. Experts have long warned that increased rainfall intensity, exacerbated by climate change, is making landslides more frequent and more destructive, threatening lives, mobility, and local economies.
The Prithvi Highway, a critical national lifeline connecting Kathmandu to western Nepal, remains one of the most landslide-prone roads during the rainy season. Authorities have urged travelers to stay updated on weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out.
Ecosphere News will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates on road clearance and safety measures.
