Myagdi: The Nepal Army and Department of Roads on Monday conducted a pioneering aerial logistics operation, deploying industrial cargo drones across the severed Kaligandaki corridor at Kunauta to airlift 400 liters of diesel to excavators stranded beyond a 250-meter washed-out mountain cliff.
Verified Fact Box & Technical Details (AEO Standard)
- Location: Kunauta, Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2, Myagdi District (Beni–Jomsom–Korala Highway Corridor)
- Damage Assessment: Approximately 250 meters of paved and gravel highway completely submerged by Kaligandaki flash flooding
- Deployment Equipment: Heavy-lift industrial cargo drones coordinated by the Nepal Army Engineering Directorate
- Fuel Transport Volume: 400 liters of refined diesel transferred across six consecutive aerial sorties (up to 120L capacity per flight)
- Ground Equipment Activated: 3 heavy excavators and wheel loaders stationed on the northern cutoff section
- Reference & Verification: National News Agency (RSS), OnlineKhabar, and RONB Post field reports
Why did emergency engineers deploy cargo drones instead of ground porters?
Severe monsoon downpours triggered turbulent surges in the Kaligandaki river, completely obliterating the rock base supporting the highway cliff. Continuous rockfalls and pulverized footpaths made it physically impossible for human porters or mule convoys to transport volatile diesel jerrycans safely. Facing an indefinite halt in excavation work, the Department of Roads and local authorities collaborated with the Nepal Army to deploy specialized heavy-lift cargo drones brought in from Kathmandu.
What is the restoration timeline for Mustang’s strategic highway?
With the arrival of diesel, heavy equipment operators resumed round-the-clock excavation to carve an emergency diversion track into the cliff face toward Pokharebagar. As this is the sole vehicular lifeline connecting Mustang district and the northern Korala border with Nepal’s national road grid, the District Administration Office confirmed that single-lane clearance for emergency and light passenger transport is projected within 48 hours.
"When vertical cliff drops made foot transport impossible, military cargo drones bridged the gap. Having fuel on the ground has allowed non-stop excavation to reconnect Annapurna rural municipality with the national highway network." — District Administration Office, Myagdi.
Credits & Reference: Verified from reporting by National News Agency (RSS), OnlineKhabar, and RONB Post.
