A portion of a bridge above the Ganesh Khola in Dhading sank on Monday, leaving hundreds of passengers travelling along the Prithvi Highway stranded.

District Traffic Police Office, Dhading informed that vehicular movement has been blocked along the Naubise-Muglin road section of Prithvi Highway due to the damage.

According to the traffic police office, the bridge that connects Thakre Rural Municipality and Dhunibesi Municipality of Dhading caved in and a portion of the bridge has developed a hole.

Local police say that repair works are underway but resumption of traffic will take time.

Police informed a gabion wall is being built under the damaged section of the bridge. However, the repair works will take time due to poor lighting conditions.

The highway serves as the main gateway to Kathmandu for vehicles coming from eastern, western and southern parts of the country. Around 8,000 vehicles ply the road daily, according to the road department.

The capital city does not have a reliable alternative to Prithvi Highway as the main supply line.