Image Credits : Nepal Page
A key road in front of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s municipal executive office in Kamaladi was abruptly severed on Friday following the collapse of a concrete slab over the Tukucha stream. The incident, which took place in the heart of the Capital, has raised concerns over the state of infrastructure in one of Kathmandu’s busiest areas.
The collapse occurred in the early hours, leading to a significant disruption in traffic flow and causing immediate concerns for both motorists and pedestrians. The road, which serves as a crucial link for daily commuters, is now impassable, forcing authorities to redirect traffic to alternate routes. The collapse has also sparked fears about the safety of the surrounding infrastructure, with local businesses and residents expressing unease over potential further deterioration.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the slab, which was part of an ageing structure, gave way due to a combination of factors, including heavy monsoon rains and the increased load on the road. Experts have long warned that many of Kathmandu’s older structures, especially those built over waterways like the Tukucha stream, are vulnerable to such incidents if not properly maintained.
In response to the collapse, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has initiated immediate repair work. Engineers and municipal workers were quickly dispatched to the site to assess the damage and begin reconstruction efforts. The authorities have also launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident has highlighted the broader issue of infrastructure maintenance in Kathmandu, a city that has seen rapid urbanization but struggles with ageing public works. The collapse has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the city’s infrastructure, particularly in areas where structures are built over or near waterways.
Local officials have assured the public that steps will be taken to restore the road as quickly as possible and that safety measures will be enhanced to prevent such occurrences. In the meantime, commuters are advised to follow the alternative routes designated by traffic authorities and to exercise caution when travelling near construction zones.