Kathmandu. The floods in Bhotekoshi of Rasuwa district on Wednesday caused a loss of around Rs 30 billion in the road infrastructure sector, according to preliminary data.

Organising a press conference on Tuesday, the Department of Roads informed about the damages along the Rasuwa and Prithvi Highway.

Director General of the Department, Dr. Vijay Jaisi said that it is estimated that Rs 50 billion will be required to reconstruct the structures damaged by the floods.

He said that the flood waves have caused damage up to 100 meters. The flood has completely destroyed the 40-km section of the Galchhi-Betrawati-Rasuwagadhi road.

Similarly, 35 bridges have been damaged in 3 districts. The department has ordered bailey bridges from India and China for emergency reconstruction. “We are importing 10 bailey bridges of 70 meters from India. Preparations are being made to bring bailey bridges from China,” Jaisi said. For the time being, the installation of bailey bridges in Devighat, Trishuli and Betrawati has already started.

The Road Board has allocated Rs 3.25 crore to start the work immediately in the flood-affected areas. He said that the department is managing traffic on alternative routes during the night hours to facilitate the supply of gas bullets and fuel on the eve of Dashain.

He also said that discussions were underway to open the road from the wall by ‘backcutting’ the blocked Krishna cliff of the Prithvi Highway.