KATHMANDU: Floods and landslides have caused significant damage to physical infrastructure and roads.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, has prioritized reopening blocked roads.

According to data released by the ministry, the reconstruction of road structures damaged by floods on October 3, 4 and 5, as well as earlier incidents, is estimated to cost around Rs 12.38 billion.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has estimated that rebuilding major highways, alternative roads, Bailey bridges, and permanent bridges damaged by this year’s monsoon-related disasters will require Rs 10.68 billion.

Reconstruction of structures damaged last year still requires Rs 1.70 billion.

Minister Ghising stated that the ministry and its subordinate agencies are working with high priority to restore roads blocked by flood and landslide damage.

To reopen the blocked roads as quickly as possible, equipment and manpower have been deployed, and the ministry is closely monitoring the work, he added.

The Mechi Highway has suffered the most damage from the monsoon disaster, with reconstruction estimated to cost Rs 1.50 billion.

Rebuilding other affected highways, including Koshi, Mid-Hill, Hulaki, Araniko, Kanti, and Narayangadh–Mugling, is projected to require approximately Rs 3.77 billion.

Additionally, reconstructing 17 damaged permanent bridges is estimated at NPR 452 million. Reconstruction of damaged Bailey bridges and those needed to restore road connectivity is expected to cost NPR 80 million, while rebuilding alternative roads is projected at NPR 159 million.