Melamchi Pipe Burst in Thapathali Causes Significant Disruption

Kathmandu: A Melamchi drinking water pipe burst in Thapathali, Kathmandu, early this morning, causing substantial damage in the area. The incident occurred at the turnoff from Thapathali Chowk towards Norvic Hospital, where the burst led to the collapse of the road. The force of the water eroded the roadbed, leaving debris of mud and stones scattered across the street.

Several businesses in the vicinity, including restaurants, pharmacies, and fruit shops, were flooded, with some shops and ground floors of nearby houses submerged by the floodwaters. The burst occurred around 5 a.m., and employees from Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Limited (KUKL) promptly closed the gate valve, preventing further damage.

This incident follows a similar burst on Magh 30, when a Melamchi pipe burst on the Bijulibazar-Babarmahal road, flooding nearby government offices, including the Forest Office. The earlier incident was caused by damage to the pipe during underground cable-laying work by the Nepal Electricity Authority. The pipe was repaired the following day.

The cause of today’s pipe burst in Thapathali remains unclear, and no officials from Melamchi or KUKL have yet provided a statement. Investigations are expected to follow as authorities work to assess the damage and determine the cause of the burst.