KATHMANDU: Incessant rainfall on Wednesday night has caused a landslide that has partially damaged the Pasang Lhamu Highway. The main route to Rasuwagadhi is blocked for large vehicles after a gabion wall, constructed last year with significant state investment, collapsed.

Chief District Officer Bednidhi Khanal announced on Thursday that the transportation of large vehicles has been prohibited until further notice. Only light vehicles are permitted on the affected road.

Local residents have expressed concerns that the road damage resulted from the gabion wall's lack of reinforcement. The collapse of the wall has also heightened the risk for nearby settlements.

The District Disaster Management Committee revealed that the authorities had ignored numerous requests made a month ago to protect the road from such damage. The situation has led to a halt in the transportation of 150 containers, containing various materials imported from China, at Rasuwagadhi. These goods, destined for Kathmandu, are currently stranded due to the roadblock.

Importers are urging for immediate repairs to reopen this crucial international trade route. Locals have suggested enhancing rural roads as alternative routes to ensure continued traffic flow and minimize disruption.

Subodh Devkota, Divisional Engineer of Nuwakot's road monitoring division for Rasuwa, stated that a technical study is underway at the landslide site. He assured that all types of vehicles would be operational within a day or two. Additionally, repair work on alternative rural roads has already commenced to provide temporary relief.