Deurali-Sisneri road section closed as Kulekhani water level rises

Government authorities suspended vehicular movement on the Deurali-Sisneri road section of the Kathmandu-Hetauda Highway beginning at 4 PM on Sunday. Makwanpur Chief District Officer Basanta Adhikari announced that traffic would stay halted in both directions until 5 AM on Monday. The restriction was introduced as water levels in the Kulekhani reservoir increased following continuous rainfall in the surrounding catchment area. Data from the Nepal Electricity Authority indicated that the reservoir level reached 1,525.37 meters by Sunday morning against a maximum storage limit of 1,530 meters. Rainfall in the catchment was measured at approximately 11 millimeters per hour, while the water level rose by roughly 22 to 23 centimeters per hour. The Kulekhani project operated at full capacity to discharge excess water from the basin. Adhikari explained that authorities opted for a proactive traffic halt rather than sounding the warning siren, noting that alarm sounds might frighten drivers and local inhabitants. Officials also noted potential risks to certain road sections if emergency water releases became necessary during the night. The district administration confirmed that the dam gates remained closed while advising downstream residents to stay vigilant. Vehicles moving toward Deurali-Sisneri through Bhaise and those traveling from Kathmandu via Pharping toward Sisneri, Deurali, and Hetauda faced restrictions during the closure window. Passengers needing to commute between Kathmandu and Hetauda were directed by officials to use the Tribhuvan Highway instead. Adhikari reiterated that the restriction served purely as a precaution against potential hazards.