Kathmandu & Dolakha, April 30 -- With even light rainfall repeatedly blocking the BP Highway over the past one month, authorities and commuters are increasingly relying on the Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway as a vital alternative route linking eastern Nepal to the national capital.

An eight-kilometre stretch of the BP Highway, built along a river diversion, has proved highly vulnerable. Each time the Roshi river swells, temporary diversions are washed away, halting traffic. Areas from Chaukidanda to Barkhe Khola, including Katunjebesi, Charasayabesi, Narke, Chiuribas, Boksikuna, Kalidhunga and Pipley, have suffered repeated damage.

"We have been reopening and closing the road frequently after floods sweep away temporary diversions," said Su...