Key Takeaways:

• Traffic expected to resume Sept 17 if no further landslides occur
• 300m track built with 7m-wide carriageway, drains and slope cutting
• Trial run successful, but road remains closed until finishing works
• 40–50 workers and heavy equipment deployed; section still considered risky

NARAYANGARH, SEPTEMBER 15 Regular traffic through the newly constructed track at landslide-hit Krishnabhir along the Prithvi Highway is expected to resume from September 17, provided no further landslides occur. Construction of the 300-metre emergency track, launched after a landslide completely blocked the highway, has entered its final stage. Wall-side cutting and road levelling were completed on Sunday, after which a few vehicles were allowed to pass through on a trial basis. Engineer Ishwar Nepal of the construction company said gravelling, slope cutting and drain construction were under way on the 11th day of the project. 'We are moving ahead with the work with the aim of fully operating traffic from September 17,' he said. The track has been built with a seven-metre-wide carriageway and a total structure of around 7.5 metres, including drains. River aggregates are being used for gravelling, while drains and pipes are being installed along the roadside. Around 40–50 workers and five to six pieces of heavy equipment are currently deployed, including graders, rollers and excavators. Information officer Sachendra Mishra of the Nagdhunga–Muglin Road Project said grading had been completed and finishing work was under way. 'Some vehicles were allowed through yesterday only for testing. The new track is currently completely closed,' he said, urging the public not to assume it had reopened. Officials said all remaining construction work was expected to be completed by September 17, after which regular traffic would be allowed if no further problems emerged. Nepal cautioned that the section remained somewhat risky, and reopening could be delayed if additional landslides occur.