KATHMANDU, July 29: Vehicular movement along Siddhartha Highway came to a standstill after a devastating landslide descended from the upper part of the under-construction Siddha Baba Tunnel. The incident occurred near the damside in Tinau Rural Municipality Ward No. 3, Dobhan, within the Tansen-Butwal road section, effectively blocking the highway since Sunday morning.
Authorities from Dobhan Police Station reported that the situation worsened as an additional landslide fell from above, further obstructing the one-way road that was already impacted by the initial landslide. To alleviate the situation, police are working diligently to clear the debris using heavy machinery as part of the tunnel project.
Landslide blocks Siddhicharan highway
However, their efforts are being hampered by the presence of large stones in the landslides, making the clearance process time-consuming. The area has experienced landslides with stones and mud in the past, and the ongoing construction of the Siddhababa tunnel has added to the complications, hindering vehicular movement.
As a result of the blockage, numerous passengers destined for mountainous and Terai regions are left stranded. According to police estimates, it will take a minimum of two hours to successfully clear the landslide and reopen the highway for traffic.
