ILAM: Traffic movement along the Ilam–Rajduwali section of the Mechi Highway under Ilam Municipality–9 remains disrupted, and efforts to open the alternative Tilkeni–Simlagolai road have yet to succeed even after ten days.
The continued closure has caused hardship for both passengers and transport operators. According to the Ilam Road Division Office, a temporary diversion is being constructed over the Jogmai stream connecting Maijogmai Rural Municipality–4 Namsaling and Ilam Municipality–10 Godak to allow the movement of small vehicles.
However, the high water flow in the stream and the lack of necessary hume pipes have delayed progress, said Pawan Bhattarai, Chief of the Ilam Road Division.
“We spent considerable time trying to reopen the Rajduwali area. After that attempt failed, we started constructing a diversion over the Jogmai stream,” Bhattarai said. “But due to a shortage of hume pipes, the work might be delayed by a few more days.”
He added that hume pipes have been ordered from Panchthar and are expected to arrive by Tuesday. Four excavators have been deployed at the site to speed up construction.
Following a field inspection on Sunday, the Ilam District Administration Office decided to operate the Tilkeni–Simlagolai road as an alternative route to the Mechi Highway.
The disruption began on October 4 after floods swept away the newly built bailey bridge in the area. The bridge, which had been completed only in mid-July, was the main connection along the route.
The Tilkeni–Godak road—linking Ilam headquarters to the Mechi Highway—had been regarded as the primary alternative route.
Since Sunday, small vehicles have started operating along the Tilkeni–Bajradevi–Namsaling–Nayabazaar–Fikkal route.
However, officials have yet to identify a suitable route for heavy and cargo vehicles. Bhattarai noted that the steep curves and narrow stretches make it difficult for larger vehicles to pass.
As a result of landslides triggered by monsoon rains, Ilam district has been cut off from neighboring Jhapa for the past ten days.
The blockage of the Ilam–Rajduwali section has disrupted the movement of vehicles and passengers traveling between Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung.
Given the complex terrain, reopening the main route immediately is unlikely, Bhattarai added.