KATHMANDU: Heavy floods and landslides have fully blocked six national highways and partially disrupted traffic on 169 road sections nationwide, the Department of Roads reported.

The disruptions were caused by road erosion and landslides in multiple areas.

Prabhat Kumar Jha, spokesperson for the department, said repair work on the Arniko Highway (Kathmandu–Dhulikhel–Dolalghat–Khadichaur–Kodari) is ongoing, with hopes to restore traffic by evening.

“Efforts are underway to ensure safe and smooth travel for people leaving and entering the Kathmandu Valley during the Dashain festival,” he added.

While the Muglin-Narayangadh reopened Sunday evening, a brief two-hour closure on Monday afternoon was necessary for cleaning and maintenance.

Other highways fully blocked include Thori–Bhandara–Malekhu, Galchhi–Trishuli–Betrawati–Mailung–Syafrubesi–Rasuwa Gadhi, Rani–Biratnagar–Itahari–Dharan–Dhankuta–Hile, Leghuwaghat–Tumlingtar–Khandbari–Num–Kimathanka (Koshi Highway), and Chatara–Mulghat–Majhitar–Amarapur Danda–Ganesh Chowk (Tamor Corridor).

The Koshi Highway remains impassable as the Barun River diversion cannot be restored due to high water levels, with concrete work pending.

The Department of Roads has deployed excavators and loaders to clear blocked sections, prioritizing heavily trafficked roads, especially those connecting the Kathmandu Valley to other regions during the festive season.

Saroj Sitaula, senior vice president of the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs Association, stressed the need for speedy repairs to ease the travel surge for Dashain.

Amit Kumar Sharma, information officer at the Department of Roads, added that approximately 400,000 square meters of damaged roads are being repaired, focusing on key highways.