KATHMANDU: Travel along the Kathmandu–Muglin section of the Prithvi Highway has been completely disrupted after a large section of the road at Krishnabhir in Dhading sank on Sunday, following erosion from the Trishuli River.

The collapse has halted traffic in both directions on one of Nepal’s most important road corridors, affecting travellers heading between Kathmandu and destinations including Pokhara, Chitwan and western Nepal.

The damage occurred after the Bhotekoshi flood wave caused the Trishuli River to rise and erode the lower portion of the highway. A section about 20 metres long has sunk and cracked, with more than half of the road affected. The damaged road is situated on a slope approximately 60 metres high, making immediate restoration difficult.

The Department of Roads has deployed an expert team to assess the site and determine the safest method of restoring the road. Engineers will assess the extent of erosion beneath the road after the river level falls and determine whether traffic can initially be restored in one direction or both directions.

The road has a history of instability, with a major landslide occurring at the same location in 1999. The section was subsequently reconstructed and slope-protection measures were introduced. Parts of the road had also been undergoing repair after subsidence was observed last year.

The latest collapse comes amid continuing disruption caused by the Bhotekoshi flash flood, which has damaged infrastructure and affected road connectivity along the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli corridor.

The Prithvi Highway is a vital route and carries around 14,000 vehicles daily, linking Kathmandu with major cities and road networks leading towards western and central Nepal.

For the time being, travellers and vehicle operators have been advised to use alternative routes and avoid attempting to pass through the collapsed section.

Travellers planning road journeys from Kathmandu towards Pokhara, Chitwan and other destinations are advised to check the latest road conditions before departure and follow official traffic and safety notices.