ILAM: The Mechi Highway remains closed to traffic even after more than a week since a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on October 4.

The landslide struck the Ilam–Rajdhuwa section of Ilam Municipality–9, completely halting the movement of vehicles.

Despite continuous efforts for the past week by the Road Division Office Ilam, local residents, and security personnel, the highway has yet to reopen.

Technical teams from the Department of Roads and local communities are still working to clear the debris. Pawan Bhattarai, Chief of the Road Division Office, said the magnitude of the landslide has made reopening difficult.

“We’ve been working day and night to clear the road,” he said, “but the entire hillside has collapsed, making it extremely challenging.”

Three excavators have been deployed for the clearance work. Assistant Chief District Officer Bhola Nath Guragain stated that the section remains under repair and will stay closed until it is safe for public travel.

“The road is under maintenance, and traffic will not be allowed until it is restored for safe movement,” Guragain said.