The Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi Highway is set to reopen for two-way traffic from Thursday morning, restoring a vital road connection after severe flood damage disrupted movement along one of Nepal’s busiest travel corridors. The reopening is expected to ease road travel between Kathmandu, Chitwan and destinations beyond the Narayangadh–Muglin corridor, providing relief to tourists, transport operators and other travelers who have faced difficulties since the highway was damaged by the Trishuli River.
New Road Track Created After Flood Damage
The original road at Krishnabhir was severely damaged when the Trishuli River eroded and swept away the lower portion of the highway. The damage on September 14 brought traffic to a complete halt at the Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi Highway. Authorities responded by cutting into the nearby hillside and developing a new track to bypass the damaged section. The Nagdhunga–Muglin Road Project, Western Section, has been working to bring the alternative route into operation as quickly as possible.
Project engineer Dhiraj Dhakal said the remaining construction activities, including gravel placement and drainage work, were expected to be completed by Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality is installing floodlights along the new section. The lighting is expected to improve visibility and make vehicle movement easier during nighttime.
Two-Way Traffic Set From Thursday
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has announced that traffic will resume in both directions from 6:00 a.m. Thursday. Nearly 100 meters of the highway had been affected by river erosion, creating a major interruption on the Kathmandu–Chitwan route.
Government agencies have mobilized workers, machinery and other resources to complete the alternative track and restore regular transportation. Dhading Chief District Officer Laxmi Pandey said vehicles currently waiting along the route could be cleared on Wednesday evening if the construction work is completed as planned. Full two-way movement is scheduled to begin the following morning.
Reopening Brings Relief to Tourism Travel
The restoration of Krishnabhir is particularly important for Nepal’s tourism industry. The highway provides one of the principal overland connections between Kathmandu and Chitwan, a major destination for wildlife and nature-based tourism. The same corridor is also used by travelers heading toward Pokhara and other destinations in western Nepal, making reliable road access essential for tourist buses, private vehicles and travel operators.
The prolonged closure had complicated journeys for visitors and disrupted transportation services along the route. With two-way traffic expected to resume, tourists traveling by road can expect easier movement between the capital and major tourism destinations. The reopening also comes at an important time as travel activity increases during Nepal’s autumn tourism season, when road connectivity plays a significant role in facilitating domestic and international travel.
Traffic Pressure at Tuin Khola Expected to Ease
Normal operation at Krishnabhir is also expected to reduce pressure at Tuin Khola, another sensitive point along the Narayangadh–Muglin road. Vehicles have faced partial restrictions at Tuin Khola while authorities have been carrying out landslide-prevention work. Chitwan Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal said the temporary traffic restrictions there could be suspended once Krishnabhir becomes fully operational. The reopening of the damaged section is therefore expected to improve overall traffic flow along the Narayangadh–Muglin corridor and provide more dependable road access for tourists and other travelers moving between Kathmandu, Chitwan and destinations farther west.
