Kathmandu, Sept. 12 -- The worsening risk of landslides and road collapse at Krishnabhir on the Prithvi Highway has renewed interest in a parallel road proposed nearly a decade ago as a safer alternative.

The route, to be built along the other side of the Trishuli river, was studied alongside the World Bank-backed upgrade of the Naubise-Muglin section of the highway. Detailed studies were completed for two sections in Dhading-Sisne-Dharke and Bishaltar-Fisling-but construction never took off.

Now, after the highway was blocked for nearly two weeks, the need for an alternative route has become immediate. Prithvi Highway is the main road link between Kathmandu and much of central and western Nepal, carrying passengers as well as large vol...