KATHMANDU, JULY 19 Authorities have imposed a night-time traffic ban on major highways linking Kathmandu with central and western Nepal amid forecasts of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and heightened risks of landslides, floods and road blockages. The District Administration Office (DAO), Dhading, on Sunday evening ordered a complete halt to all public and private vehicles on the Prithvi Highway and Tribhuvan Highway from 10:00 pm on July 19 until 5:00 am on July 20, citing public safety concerns following warnings issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. In a separate decision, the DAO Chitwan announced the suspension of all vehicular movement along the Narayangadh–Muglin–Kathmandu road section from 10:00 pm Sunday until further notice. The administration said continuous rainfall in Chitwan, Dhading and neighbouring districts, coupled with forecasts of more rain in the coming days, had significantly increased the risk of landslides, falling rocks, road subsidence and other disaster-related incidents. According to the notices issued by Chief District Officers Laxmi Pandey Gautam of Dhading and Ganesh Aryal of Chitwan, the restrictions were imposed on the recommendation of disaster management authorities to prevent potential human and material losses during the monsoon season. Officials warned that travellers could be stranded if roads become blocked by landslides or flash floods overnight. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire engines and security-force vehicles, have been exempted from the restrictions. The Narayangadh–Muglin section, one of the country's busiest highways, was also closed on Saturday night and reopened at 5:30 am on Sunday before authorities reimposed the ban. Local administrations have urged travellers and transport operators to avoid night travel, follow official advisories and exercise caution until weather conditions improve.