4th October 2025, Kathmandu
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) of Nepal has issued an unprecedented three-day ban on long-distance vehicular traffic and all vehicles entering or exiting the Kathmandu Valley, effective immediately.
Nepal Highway Shutdown Long-Distance
The stringent measure is a pre-emptive step to avert major casualties and infrastructure damage from forecasted extreme weather conditions, including heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The Three-Day Travel Lockdown
The restriction, announced via a notice on Saturday, will be in effect from October 4 to October 6, 2025 (Asoj 18, 19, and 20). It targets:
All long-distance public and private vehicles operating across five provinces: Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini.
All vehicles traveling into or out of the Kathmandu Valley, effectively closing key entry/exit points like Nagdhunga and Sanga.
Reason: Mitigation of Extreme Disaster Risk
The NDRRMA’s decision is directly tied to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s (DHM) forecast of intensified monsoon activity. Heavy rainfall is predicted to elevate the risk of flash floods, massive landslides, and inundation across the central and eastern regions of the country.
NDRRMA officials have stressed that the ban is a vital safety measure to mitigate the potential loss of life and property that commonly occurs when heavy rains trigger disasters on Nepal’s vulnerable highway network.
Enforcement and Public Appeal
The Authority has directed concerned Chief District Officers and security agencies to strictly enforce the prohibition, continuously monitor the highways, and ensure compliance.
Key takeaways for the public
Avoid Non-Essential Travel: Citizens are strongly advised to cancel or postpone all non-essential journeys during this period.
Essential Services Exempt: The ban does not apply to emergency vehicles and those providing essential services.
Stay Informed: The public is urged to rely only on official and updated disaster information from government sources, radio, and recognized media outlets.
The temporary shutdown comes at a crucial time when many Nepalese may have been planning travel, underscoring the severity of the impending weather risk and the government’s shift toward proactive disaster management.
The NDRRMA is prioritizing public safety over short-term inconvenience to prevent a potential national disaster.
For more: Nepal Highway Shutdown Long-Distance