Authorities have closed the road between Bode in Bhaktapur and Mulpani in Kathmandu because the ground near the Manohara River bridge is sinking. This has raised concerns about whether the bridge and road are safe.
Traffic on the bridge has stopped after the area around a gabion structure next to it started to sink. Officials closed the route to protect public safety, as more ground movement could make the danger to the bridge and road worse.
The bridge connects Bode in Bhaktapur to Mulpani in Kathmandu and is an important local route between these two areas.
Heavy rain is causing worry. The ground is sinking while heavy rain falls in the Kathmandu Valley. Local officials say water levels in the Khasyang Khusung stream in Bhaktapur have risen because of the rain. Rain has caused water levels and flow to increase in many rivers and streams across the Valley.
Higher water levels have increased fears about flooding, erosion, and damage to buildings and roads near rivers.
Traffic stopped as a safety step. Officials have banned vehicles from using the Mulpani-Bode bridge because of the sinking ground near the gabion structure. Officials are watching the bridge and the area around it to see if more damage is happening. The road will stay closed until officials say it is safe for vehicles again.
The Manohara River Bridge is listed as an important road bridge by the Department of Roads on the Mulpani–Changu Narayan–Phedigaun road. The recent closure is part of wider weather problems in and around the Kathmandu Valley, as heavy rain increases the risk of flooding, erosion, and landslides.