Heavy rainfall and subsequent floods and landslides from Ashoj 8 to 11, 2083 (BS), have caused an estimated Rs 2.52 billion in damage to Nepal’s road infrastructure, affecting major highways and rural routes across the country. By Ashoj 14 (BS), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported 35 deaths and widespread displacement due to the disaster.
According to the Physical Infrastructure and Transport Ministry, approximately 22 kilometers of roads under the Department of Roads, the government body responsible for road infrastructure, have been completely damaged. The preliminary estimate of Rs 2.52 billion in total damage includes Rs 1.505 billion for roads, Rs 820 million for bridges, and Rs 200 million for bailey bridges.
Major corridors affected include the Kaligandaki Corridor, BP Highway, Prithvi Highway, Tribhuvan Highway, Arniko Highway, Kanti Highway, Madan Bhandari Highway, Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway, and Mechi Highway. The Beni-Jomsom-Korala road section, a crucial route in Gandaki Province, has sustained damage at 46 locations along its 202-kilometer stretch by Ashoj 19 (BS).
Humanitarian and regional impact
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that the floods and landslides have claimed 35 lives and injured 15 people by Ashoj 14 (BS). Additionally, 10 bridges, 31 cattle sheds, and 114 livestock have been damaged. In Parbat district, 300 families were displaced, with 170 homes completely destroyed and 131 partially damaged by Ashoj 18 (BS).
Eastern Nepal has been particularly hard-hit, with Ilam district alone reporting over Rs 12 billion in infrastructure damage, according to government data by Ashoj 18 (BS). Ilam was declared a ‘disaster-stricken district’ for three months in Ashoj 2083 (BS).
In Madhesh Province, Parsa and Rautahat districts experienced significant damage. The police office at Birgunj Bus Park was submerged, and 38 families were evacuated from Birgunj Metropolitan City-11. Further evacuations included two families from Dhobini Rural Municipality-5, five from Jagarnathpur Rural Municipality-3, and 14 from Boudhamai and other affected areas, Nepal Police said. The Hulaki Highway in Jhapa Rural Municipality-2 was also blocked after being damaged by floods from the Kankai Mai river.
Government response and ongoing challenges
The Department of Roads is preparing to rebuild damaged bridges before Dashain, a major festival. Teams have been deployed for technical studies to determine whether to install bailey bridges or repair existing structures at Pokharebagar, Maldhunga, and Dedhgaun along the Kaligandaki Corridor. Repair work is ongoing on the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road section, with repairs completed from Jomsom to Nagdhunga in Annapurna Rural Municipality-2, Myagdi. The Beni-Jomsom road is expected to resume one-way operation within a week.
For the Prithvi Highway, a feasibility study is underway for the construction of a tunnel or viaduct to mitigate risks at Krishnabhir, with a report expected within three months. Nepal Police stated that coordination is ongoing with relevant government bodies and local levels to clear obstructed road sections.
The recurring nature of floods, landslides, and soil erosion in recent years has raised serious questions about the existing road infrastructure construction methods in Nepal. Infrastructure experts highlight that despite the expansion of road networks, corresponding improvements in design, quality, disaster resilience, institutional structures, and maintenance systems have not kept pace. Dr. Bijay Jaisi, Director General of the Department of Roads, had pledged to be vigilant and take necessary actions against potential road blockages due to floods and landslides upon assuming office in Jestha 2082 (BS).
Unanswered questions
A detailed and final estimate of the total economic damage from the floods and landslides has not yet been released. A clear timeline for the complete reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges remains unspecified. Furthermore, it is unclear what long-term plans the government will implement to address the identified issues in road infrastructure design. More detailed information is also needed regarding the specific impact of the floods and landslides on the agricultural sector and the commercial hub of Birgunj in Madhesh Province.
