Kathmandu, Oct 5: Minister for Energy, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising has said that preparations are underway to immediately reopen the roads from Kathmandu to the west that were closed due to the rains, and that repairs on various roads damaged by the disaster will be carried out at a rapid pace.
At a press conference held at the ministry today, Ghising stated that rainfall still continues in the eastern region of Nepal and the road improvement works there will begin only after the rain subsides.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has said that the weather will improve and rainfall will decrease from Monday.
Minister Ghising said landslides and floods caused by continuous heavy rainfall and weather-related events from Friday till date have obstructed roads and greatly affected transportation in various parts of the country.
“Repair works on the blocked sections of major highways are being accelerated day and night by deploying necessary workforce and equipment in the affected areas,” he said.
The Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister said that although there was some physical damage due to the disaster, there was no big human loss thanks to the government’s preparedness.
The Department of Roads has stated that the Prithvi Highway going west from Kathmandu via Muglin to Pokhara and Narayangadh, and the Narayangadh–Muglin Highway are not obstructed for traffic.
Director General of the Department, Bijay Jaisi, said that progress will soon be made in removing obstacles on the BP Highway (Bhakundebensi–Nepalthok section) and Mechi Highway.
He added that the Department has intensified repair and road opening works in coordination with the local administration, Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the Traffic Police, and local bodies.
RSS