The Karnali Highway landslide cleared on the Surkhet-Bangesimal-Dahikhola section has reopened blocked stretches to traffic, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal announced on September 26. Landslides, mud, and fallen stones at lower Dungeshwar-Dagre Khola and near Amalise, close to the Surkhet-Dailekh border, had cut off the road before crews cleared it. The announcement came as part of the ministry’s running updates on monsoon damage across the national highway network.
Crews also removed landslide debris and mud from the lower Dungeshwar-Siakat stretch of the lower Dungeshwar-Siakat-Dailekh road, bringing that section back into operation. Essential vehicles have been sent toward their destinations, the minister said, prioritizing the movement of critical supplies and passengers.
The minister cautioned that with rain continuing, the risk of fresh landslides, falling stones, and mud remains, and he urged road users to take necessary precautions while traveling.
Karnali Highway landslide cleared but rain keeps risk alive
The Karnali Highway is the lifeline of Karnali Province, connecting Surkhet to the hill districts and onward to Jumla. Every monsoon, its steep cuttings shed slides that strand travelers and cut off market access for remote communities. The September 26 Karnali Highway landslide cleared operation follows the now-familiar monsoon pattern: rapid emergency clearing to restore essential movement, with permanent stabilization waiting for drier months. For Dailekh and the districts beyond, the highway is the only motorable link for food, medicine, and construction material; even brief closures push up prices in local markets.
The caution advisory matters because cleared does not mean safe. Fresh rain on loosened slopes above Dungeshwar and Amalise can undo a day’s clearing work in minutes, which is why the ministry paired the reopening announcement with an explicit request for careful driving. Travelers are advised to check conditions before setting out and to avoid night travel on the slide-prone stretches.
Related reading: “Beni-Tatopani road reopened after monsoon damage”.
Source: Minister Sunil Lamsal’s Facebook post, Saturday, September 26, 2026.