Landslides Disrupt Key Transport Routes in Gandaki Province, Affecting Commerce and Travel

Pokhara. Due to landslides, the Mid-Hilly Highway and Kaligandaki Corridor have been obstructed, affecting vehicle movement in various districts of Gandaki Province for two weeks. The Kaligandaki River's flood damaged the Maldhunga bridge connecting Parbat-Baglung on the highway and the Pokharebagar bridge in the Myagdi section of the corridor, bringing direct transport services on both roads to a halt.

With festivals approaching, the obstruction of main roads has made daily life difficult for the public. People are forced to travel via expensive, circuitous alternative routes. The disruption of the road network has also led to a decline in tourist activities during the peak season. The impact on transportation has caused prices of goods in the market to rise. Locals say that the blockage of the main road connecting most districts of the mid-hills to the national road network has caused further difficulties for patients and the infirm.