SALYAN: The Rapti Highway has resumed operation after being blocked by a landslide last night.

The obstruction occurred at Chor Khola in Kapurkot Rural Municipality–3 due to heavy rainfall.

The landslide, which struck around 4:40 AM, had covered both lanes of the highway, stranding hundreds of passengers and vehicles on both sides.

Since the Department of Roads could not send its equipment on time, an excavator (JCB) from a contractor involved in the Rapti Highway Upgrade Project was used to clear the debris.

After nearly three hours of effort, the road was fully operational, according to DSP Keshar Neupane of the Salyan District Police Office.

Although an alternative motor route had been temporarily provided for smaller vehicles, the highway is now open to all types of traffic, the police confirmed.