Mud, cliffs and broken bridges stall road reopening after Nepal floods
Nearly a month after the Bhotekoshi floods, mud, unstable ground and steep cliffs are delaying the restoration of key roads linking Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
Twenty-four days after the Bhotekoshi floods, the Dhunge-Betrawati road remains largely unusable due to mud, unstable soil and sheer cliffs, leaving Rasuwa and Nuwakot isolated and cutting off direct access to Dhading’s headquarters. The Department of Roads has cleared debris and reopened a new 200-metre track at Ratmate and a repaired bridge over the Kolpu Khola, while the Nepali Army placed a temporary Acrow bridge at Devighat.
However, machinery is repeatedly getting stuck in the marshy ground around Betrawati, and a 500-metre segment near Bhainse is too steep for conventional equipment. The government plans to install a 70-metre Bailey bridge supplied by India at Betrawati and is evaluating blasting to open a cliff-side track, coordinating with the army. Additional bridges from China and other countries are being assessed to restore the Rasuwagadhi border crossing before the Dashain festival in early October.
Why it matters
Reopening these roads is essential for local mobility, trade with China and access to services before a major national festival.
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