The Piplamod section of the Nagdhunga-Naubise road will remain closed to vehicular traffic for an additional five days starting Monday, as blacktopping work remains incomplete, project officials said.

The section had already been under a partial closure from May 24 to June 8, with traffic halted daily between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm to facilitate road improvement under the Nagdhunga-Muglin eastern section project.

With resurfacing work still ongoing, the same schedule will continue for the extended period.

According to project chief Keshav Prasad Ojha, only one kilometre of blacktopping is now left from the Nagdhunga checkpoint.

“The remaining stretch lies just before Jhyaple Khola, which will not be blacktopped. Apart from that, 2.2 km of the Kathmandu-bound section from the Nagdhunga-Sisne Khola tunnel has already been resurfaced," Ojha said.

The project is aiming to complete all remaining work within the extended timeframe.

During the closure, vehicles are being held at Khanikhola in Dhading district to prevent congestion on the route. Commuters and transport operators have been advised to use alternative roads. For small and medium-sized vehicles, the recommended detours include the Sitapaila–Ramkot–Dharke route and the Samakhusi–Tokha–Chhahare–Trishuli–Galchhi road.

Earlier, the road surface had been stripped during night hours from May 5 to May 14 in preparation for resurfacing. The current daytime closures allow uninterrupted progress on laying gravel and asphalt.

The Nagdhunga-Naubise road is a crucial gateway connecting the Kathmandu Valley with western Nepal. Once completed, the upgraded section is expected to ease traffic flow and reduce travel time significantly.