Thapathali Flooded After Melamchi Pipeline Bursts, Roads Blocked

Kathmandu, Nepal – March 4, 2025

A major water pipeline from the Melamchi Drinking Water Project burst early this morning near Thapathali Chowk, causing severe flooding in the area. The sudden water overflow blocked roads, disrupted traffic, and affected local businesses. Commuters and residents struggled to move through the waterlogged streets, while nearby shop owners faced losses due to water entering their stores.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the pipeline burst, and officials have assured the public that repair work is underway. However, the situation remains challenging as floodwater continues to disrupt daily life in one of Kathmandu’s busiest areas.

Flooding Causes Traffic Chaos

The pipeline burst led to a rapid flow of water into the streets, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to move. Thapathali is a key transit point in Kathmandu, connecting several major areas, and the flooding caused severe traffic jams. Many vehicles were forced to turn around or take alternate routes, leading to delays and frustration among commuters.

Public transport was also heavily affected. Buses, taxis, and motorcycles struggled to navigate through the deep water, with some vehicles breaking down in the middle of the flooded roads. Office-goers, students, and daily commuters found themselves stranded or delayed as they tried to reach their destinations.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos, with people wading through knee-deep water and shopkeepers rushing to save their goods from damage. “The water came so quickly that we had no time to prepare. My shop is completely flooded, and I have lost a lot of products,” said one local business owner.

Businesses Suffer Heavy Losses

The flooding has not only caused inconvenience to commuters but also resulted in significant losses for businesses in the area. Thapathali is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and offices, many of which were directly impacted by the water overflow.

Shopkeepers reported damage to goods, furniture, and electrical appliances due to the sudden flooding. Some businesses were forced to close for the day, leading to financial losses. Restaurant owners faced issues as water entered their kitchens, making it impossible to continue operations.

“The water damaged my stock of electronics, and I don’t know how much I will have to spend on repairs and replacements,” said a worried shopkeeper. Another business owner mentioned that customers were unable to enter their stores due to the high water levels, further impacting sales.

Authorities Investigating the Cause

Local authorities have not yet determined the exact reason behind the pipeline burst. Officials from the Melamchi Drinking Water Project and Kathmandu Metropolitan City have assured the public that an investigation is underway to find out what went wrong.

Engineers and technicians have been deployed to assess the damage and begin repair work. However, officials have warned that it may take several hours or even days to fully restore normal conditions in the area.

Government representatives have urged residents to avoid traveling through the flooded areas unless necessary. Emergency response teams are on standby to assist those affected by the flooding, and efforts are being made to drain the excess water as quickly as possible.

Public Reactions and Concerns

The incident has sparked frustration among residents, many of whom are questioning the quality and maintenance of the Melamchi Drinking Water Project’s infrastructure. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, and people are demanding better oversight to prevent future disasters.

Social media platforms have been flooded with videos and images of the water gushing through the streets of Thapathali. Many users expressed concern over the poor management of the water supply system and the recurring issues with pipeline bursts in the city.

“This keeps happening, and the authorities never take proper action. How many times do we have to suffer before they fix the problem?” one resident posted online.

Others raised concerns about water contamination, as the burst pipeline might lead to impurities mixing with the drinking water supply. Health experts have advised residents to be cautious and boil their water before consumption until authorities confirm that the supply is safe.

What’s Next?

As the situation unfolds, the priority for authorities is to repair the pipeline, clear the flooded roads, and assist affected businesses and residents. The government has assured the public that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

In the meantime, commuters are advised to take alternative routes and avoid traveling through Thapathali if possible. Business owners are also being urged to take necessary precautions to minimize losses.