NAWALPARASI, July 20: The Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayanghat road was blocked 63 times between mid-July 2023 and mid-July 2024, according to the Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) District Traffic Police Office.
Most of the disruptions occurred due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, fallen debris, or broken-down vehicles. According to Office Chief Janak Banjara, the road was either fully or partially obstructed in all these instances. Repairs involving large equipment and trucks breaking down also led to long hours of road closure.
The areas most frequently affected include Bishwakarma Temple, Ghyukhola, and Triyasi Mod. Blockages increased after hillside cutting began for the road expansion project in Daunne.
Traffic to be suspended in Daunne area
Banjara added that compared to previous years, Daunne's 14-kilometer stretch saw more frequent closures last fiscal year. “During monsoon, landslides, mud, and road cutting disrupt traffic, while on sunny days, potholes and dust make the area problematic,” he said.
On January 10, the Binayi Khola bridge in Dumkibas, Ward 1 of Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality, collapsed, worsening transportation. The temporary diversions built afterwards were repeatedly swept away by floods. Normalcy returned only after the new bridge opened on July 3.
To support road expansion, authorities restricted traffic from March 10 to 14 between 11 am and 3 pm, and from April 13 to May 13 between 11 pm and 5 am, allowing only emergency vehicles.
Currently, wall construction, culvert installation, and road paving are underway, according to Eastern Section Information Officer Engineer Shiv Khanal.
The 14-km Daunne stretch is being widened to three lanes due to its high-risk nature. Within the 114-km Narayangadh–Butwal corridor, 65 km from Gaindakot to Daunne is being developed, with market areas getting six-lane roads, including service lanes.
China State Engineering Corporation, the contractor with a Rs 17 billion project, has extended its deadline three times. The construction must now be completed by the end of July.
