Nepal’s transportation system continues to face major challenges, despite ongoing road construction projects. While developed countries enjoy smooth and efficient road networks, Nepal is still struggling to build a proper and systematic transportation system.
Every monsoon, key highways in Nepal face frequent blockages due to landslides, raising concerns over road safety and stability. Roads such as the Pokhara - Mugling Road and Narayanghat - Mugling Road are particularly affected, with improper geological assessment cited as a major reason for repeated failures.
In July 2025, the Dumre - Ambukhaireni section of the Muglin - Pokhara Road was blocked after large stones fell onto the roadway. On the GP Road in Putalibazar, Syangja, landslides and rockfalls are observed frequently during the monsoon. Heavy rainfall also disrupted travel in Gulmi, Kalikot, and Palpa, blocking highways and stranding vehicles (Kathmandu Post, 2025). Even urban areas are affected; on the road from Pulchowk Campus to Patan Dhoka, near the police station, a section on the right side partially collapsed, with a deep trench posing a hazard to motorists.
A key issue behind these incidents is the lack of proper geological assessment. Many roads deteriorate before their intended design life, leading to higher maintenance costs, travel delays, and economic losses. Geological assessment involves studying soil, rocks, slopes, and terrain to determine whether a location is suitable and stable for road construction. Nepal’s complex hilly terrain makes road building difficult, but modern techniques show that topography alone cannot justify road failures. In hilly regions, conducting geological assessments should be mandatory.
Landslides remain the most pressing concern, often blocking roads, disrupting transportation, and damaging infrastructure during heavy rainfall. Although Nepal faces a shortage of qualified geologists, geotechnical engineers, and skilled survey teams, available specialists can be deployed to study high-risk areas. Their analysis can guide road construction and mitigation measures to maintain slope and road stability. Geological assessments should cover not only the road path but also the surrounding terrain to ensure long-term safety and durability.
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