Summary:

• One-way traffic for light vehicles has resumed on the Syaphrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road after being disrupted for 13 days due to severe flooding of the Bhotekoshi River on July 8.
• The flood washed away about one kilometer of road, cutting off a 16-kilometer stretch and halting access between Timure and Rasuwagadhi, affecting emergency transport and food supplies.
• Road authorities initially targeted reopening by July 19 but faced delays due to complications near the Lingling landslide area.
• Temporary tracks were built and rock drilling was done to create new paths, allowing light vehicles to pass.
• Heavy vehicles are still barred as repairs continue; studies are ongoing to allow freight transport in the second phase.
• The flood also destroyed the Miteri Bridge linking Nepal and China. China has expressed willingness to construct a temporary Bailey bridge within two months, and permanent bridge work is expected to start soon.
• The road section was part of a Chinese grant project started in 2019 but slowed by COVID-19.
• Local residents welcomed the reopening as essential deliveries resumed, preventing a crisis.
• Cross-border trade remains suspended due to the damage at Rasuwagadhi customs and other flood impacts on nearby roads.
• The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is coordinating with China to expedite reconstruction before the upcoming Dashain festival.

Archive: https://archive.md/7B27s