Vehicular movement along the Rukum East–Baglung section of the Mid-Hill Highway has been disrupted due to heavy snowfall. Vehicles could not operate on Friday because of the snow accumulation.

District Police chief Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhav Raj Kharel said snowfall has occurred since early morning at Patihalne, the border area between Rukum East and Baglung districts, and has blocked the road.

“Some large vehicles arriving from Kathmandu managed to reach their destinations in the morning, but with increasing snowfall, travel is now impossible,” he said, adding that police have urged vehicles not to use the route.

Annual snowfall frequently disrupts transport in the region. While some vehicles attempt to navigate the snow, there is no government or stakeholder-backed plan to clear the road for smooth movement. The Mid-Hill Highway is a crucial route connecting Rukum East, Rukum West, Jajarkot, and other western districts to Baglung, Pokhara, and Kathmandu.

After a prolonged dry spell, rain and snowfall began on Thursday night in higher-altitude areas, including this section of the highway. While the precipitation benefits farmers in cultivation, continued snowfall adds hardships in daily life, said Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality chair Purniraj Gharti.