Restoring Critical Road Connectivity Under Severe Access Constraints: Experience from the 2026 Trishuli–Bhotekoshi Disaster, Nepal

Abstract

The 2026 Trishuli–Bhotekoshi disaster severely disrupted major road corridors in Nepal, affecting highway connectivity, international trade, and essential supply chains. Preliminary assessments by the Department of Roads identified approximately 50 km of affected road sections along the Galchhi–Rasuwagadhi corridor. Major damage included bridge failures, road washouts, riverbank erosion, landslides, and extensive debris deposition. These conditions created significant challenges for emergency restoration, particularly due to restricted access and unstable ground conditions. Along the Gerkhu–Bhaise–Betrawati section, severe river-toe erosion and landslides made restoration along the original road alignment impractical. Temporary realignments, approximately 4 km of access tracks, gabion launching, and boulder placement were adopted to support restoration activities. Two working fronts advanced from Bhaise and Betrawati, eventually establishing access for subsequent Bailey bridge works. Alternative rural roads helped restore essential connectivity towards Rasuwa within the first week. Similarly, the Prithvi Highway experienced extensive damage, particularly at Krishna Bhir, where temporary road construction enabled the restoration of two-way traffic. The recovery experience highlights the importance of rapid damage assessment, alternative access routes, ground stability, and coordinated restoration activities in improving road connectivity and infrastructure resilience in mountainous regions.