The Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayanghat road was obstructed 63 times over the past year, according to local traffic authorities. This segment, located in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-2 of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), remained partially or completely blocked between July 17, 2024, and July 16, 2025.

Chief of the District Traffic Police Office, Janak Banjara, said that most of the disruptions were caused by landslides and mudslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Road maintenance activities using large machinery also contributed to extended blockages on several occasions.

Frequent disruptions were reported in areas such as the Bishwakarma Temple, Ghyu Khola, and Tiryasimod. The frequency of roadblocks has increased since slope-cutting work began in the Daunne hills as part of the road expansion project. Covering a total stretch of just 14 kilometers, the Daunne section experienced more blockages this fiscal year compared to previous years, Banjara noted.

“During the monsoon, continuous landslides, mud, and road cutting make the area problematic, while on dry days, potholes and dust become major concerns,” he added.

The situation worsened after the Binayi Khola bridge in Dumkibas, Ward-1 of Binayi Triveni, collapsed on January 10, 2025. A temporary diversion was constructed, but it was repeatedly washed away by the river, disrupting transportation until a new bridge came into operation on July 3, 2025.

To facilitate expansion, vehicular movement on the Daunne section—except for emergency services—was halted daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm between April 9 and April 13, and from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am for an entire month between April 14 and May 14. Currently, retaining wall construction, culvert installation, and road paving works are ongoing, according to Eastern Division Information Officer and engineer Shiv Khanal.

Out of the total 114-kilometer Narayanghat–Butwal road section, the 65-kilometer stretch from Gaindakot to Daunne includes service lanes in market areas and a three-lane expansion in the 14-kilometer high-risk Daunne section. The road is being widened under a Rs 17 billion contract awarded to China State Engineering Corporation, which has already received three deadline extensions. The latest completion deadline is set for August 16. -- RSS