KATHMANDU (HamroBuzz Newsroom): A critical section of the Prithvi Highway collapsed in Galaudi, Gajuri Rural Municipality-5, Dhading, after sustained undercutting by the Trishuli River severed the roadway foundation, bringing transit along Nepal's principal overland corridor to a complete standstill.
Prithvi Highway Galaudi Fact Box Sector: Galaudi, Gajuri-5, Dhading (Prithvi Highway NH04). Cause: Severe Trishuli River hydraulic bank undercutting. Current Status: Fully blocked (DoR active inland rock back-cutting). Hotline: Dhading Traffic Control (+977-9851282664), Police Emergency (100).
Confirmed Current Road Status vs. Official Reopening Schedule
As of Saturday evening, the highway remains entirely closed to traffic. The Department of Roads has announced the following operational targets, which are provisional engineering goals subject to ongoing slope stability, not completed restorations:
Phase Projected Timeline Operational Scope Conditions & Limitations Phase 1: Emergency Clearance Saturday, 21:00 NPT One-way (single-lane) Police-escorted clearance strictly for stranded vehicles on an unpaved cut-bench. Phase 2: Daytime Hillside Widening Sunday, from 07:00 NPT Scheduled work windows Excavators resume cliff cutting to widen corridor; intermittent traffic pauses expected. Phase 3: Two-Way Target Sunday, target 18:00 NPT Two-way resumption Attainment contingent upon dry weather, zero rockfall, and stable mountain geometry.
Affected Journeys: Regional Transit & Kathmandu–Pokhara Corridor
The Prithvi Highway represents the central artery linking Kathmandu with the western half of the country. This disruption halts long-haul buses, private motor vehicles, and container trucks traversing between Kathmandu and Pokhara, Chitwan (Narayangarh), Butwal, Bhairahawa, and the Terai plains via the Mugling junction.
Implications for International Tourists and Visitors
Overland Delays: Tourist buses and private car transfers between Kathmandu and Pokhara or Chitwan face prolonged gridlock. Travelers are strongly urged to reschedule road departures scheduled for Saturday night and Sunday morning. Air Travel Normal: Domestic flights between Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and Pokhara International Airport (PKR) operate normally and remain entirely unaffected by highway closures. Passengers with tight international flight departures should prioritize air travel. Night Safety Caution: Navigating the newly cut, unpaved single-lane bench during the proposed Saturday night window carries significant hazard from loose debris and reduced visibility.
How Passengers Can Check Conditions Before Departure
District Traffic Police Office, Dhading (Control Room): +977-9851282664 District Police Office, Dhading (Control Room): 010-520199 / +977-9851113921 Nepal Police Emergency Hotline: 100
