Repairs begin on disaster-hit Mechi Highway

By Kokila Dhakal,Ilam, Mar. 4: Reconstruction efforts have commenced on the damaged segment of the Mechi Highway above Rajduwali Bridge in Ilam.

Prolonged soil slip has hindered traffic flow in the road section in Ilam Municipality-9.

The affected section, which experienced severe damage due to floods and landslides on October 4 last year, is presently operational via a provisional track carved through the landslide debris. Vehicles have been utilising this temporary route since the calamity.

According to Pawan Bhattarai, Chief of the Road Division Office in Ilam, foundation works have initiated for the construction of gabion walls under an existing contractual agreement, in anticipation of the forthcoming monsoon season.

“This project pertains to the Harkate section of the Mechi Highway and is encompassed within last year’s contractual obligations," he stated.

Bhattarai further disclosed that approximately Rs. 105 million, allocated under the previous contract, will be utilised at the site. He elaborated that subterranean water flow has been eroding the soil internally, resulting in persistent subsidence. To address this issue, engineers will drill into the ground and install piping systems to facilitate water drainage.

Following the floods and landslides on October 4, 2025, traffic disruptions along this section persisted for twelve days. Bhattarai noted that even during the dry season, the road continues to gradually sink.

“Once the monsoon season commences, difficulties are almost certain to arise in this segment. The current track has been constructed atop landslide debris; nonetheless, we anticipate that the new interventions will alleviate some of these issues," he added.

The Mechi Highway functions as a critical transportation corridor for the districts of Ilam, Panchthar, Taplejung, and half of Tehrathum. Nonetheless, Bhattarai expressed concern that no additional funds have been allocated by higher authorities for repair and reconstruction efforts following the disaster.

In the meantime, construction of two Bailey bridges along the Kechana-Kanchanjunga road and the Simal Golai-Tilkeni road—serving as alternative routes—will commence subsequent to the forthcoming elections.

Bhattarai mentioned that preparations are underway to install a Bailey bridge at the subsided Belase bridge over the Maikhola River along the Kechana-Kanchanjunga road.

“Although Rs. 250 million has been budgeted under a multi-year plan for Belase, an allotment of Rs. 10 million this year would suffice to install a Bailey bridge and restore traffic flow," he remarked.

Contracts have already been awarded for a Rs. 25 million Bailey bridge over the Puwa River and a Rs. 32 million Bailey bridge over the Jogmai River. The objective is to complete these projects prior to the upcoming monsoon season. Additionally, work will soon commence on another damaged section at Puwa Khola along the Mechi Highway.

Despite incurring damages exceeding Rs. 120 million from the October 4 disaster, Ilam has only received approval for Rs. 21.9 million for reconstruction, Bhattarai concluded.