Authorities in Nepal have suspended all public transport services connecting to and from Kathmandu following landslides triggered by continuous rainfall. This disruption began on Friday, 25 September 2026, after heavy rains affected the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding regions from Thursday. The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office reported that public vehicles are currently grounded due to blocked routes on key highways.

Highway Closures and Restrictions Imposed

The landslides have specifically impacted movement on the Prithvi Highway and the BP Highway. The Prithvi Highway connects Kathmandu with the provinces of Bagmati and Gandaki, while the BP Highway provides a link to Madhesh province and eastern Nepal. Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi confirmed that the disruption necessitated authorities to impose overnight restrictions on the Kavrepalanchok section of the BP Highway as a precautionary measure, based on forecasts of worsening weather conditions.

Individuals are advised against using this road between 5 pm and 5 am until the following Sunday. Chief District Officer Gopal Kumar Adhikari indicated that an evaluation would take place before determining if daytime closures should also be enforced in light of ongoing adverse weather.

In Chitwan, both the Prithvi Highway and the Narayanghat-Muglin road have been shut indefinitely due to landslides and the heightened risk of further incidents after ongoing rain. According to Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal, initial traffic restrictions were enacted overnight from 8 pm on Thursday to 5 am on Friday, but these were subsequently extended as rainfall persisted. Multiple landslides have occurred along the Chitwan section of the Prithvi Highway.

Monitoring the Situation and Safety Measures

Reports from neighbouring Dhading highlight landslides at seven key locations, including Krishnabhir and Parewabhir. To manage the situation effectively, long-distance public vehicles have been redirected to the New Bus Park in Gongabu, Kathmandu, in an effort to mitigate congestion and ensure passenger safety during ongoing clearing operations.

Light vehicles continue to operate between Kathmandu and Hetauda in Bagmati province via the alternative Pharping route. However, as river water levels rise, traffic authorities have cautioned motorists against parking along river corridors to prevent accidents and enhance safety.

The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs has urged drivers and transport operators to exercise caution and liaise closely with security agencies while conducting services amid the prevailing risk of landslides and heavy rainfall. Additionally, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has alerted the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel, especially during night hours, as heavy rainfall is forecasted across various regions of the country from 24 to 28 September 2026.

Implications and Ongoing Cautions

The suspension of public transport to and from Kathmandu, along with highway closures in Chitwan and restrictions on the BP Highway, underscore the extensive impact of recent weather conditions. Authorities remain engaged in monitoring developments and are providing ongoing advisories for public safety throughout Nepal.

As the situation evolves, continuous updates from local authorities and transport organisations are expected to guide residents and travellers. The context of this weather-related disruption demonstrates the challenges faced in managing transport infrastructure during severe weather events in the Himalayan region.

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