KATHMANDU: Construction work on the Daunne section of the East-West Highway—widely considered one of the most challenging terrains—has finally reached its closing phase.

This brings welcome news for passengers and drivers who have endured grueling commutes on this stretch for a long time.

Currently, only about 50 meters of one-way concrete paving remains to be completed in the landslide-affected area below the Daunne temple.

Meanwhile, one side of the road has been fully completed and opened to vehicular traffic.

Given the difficult geographical terrain and heavy traffic volume, the project management opted for high-quality concrete paving (rigid pavement) this time instead of traditional blacktopping.

According to the Department of Roads, Project Directorate (ADB), this long-term solution was chosen because blacktopped roads deteriorate rapidly in this area, subjecting the public to continuous hardships.

Project Director Chuda Raj Dhakal stated that the newly constructed concrete stretch is projected to have a minimum lifespan of 30 years.

“We designed and built this structure keeping in mind the traffic forecast for the next three decades,” Dhakal said. “Even with 12,000 to 20,000 vehicles moving through daily, this road will remain unaffected.”

He added that the road has a single-axle load capacity of 10 tons. If weight limits are strictly controlled and other design specifications are met, the road could even last up to 40 years.

With this shift to quality construction, the government is confident that the perennial issues of road blockages, potholes, and tedious annual maintenance in the Daunne section will be permanently resolved.

The project management claims that once the remaining concrete paving is entirely finished, the hardships faced by citizens in this region will end for good.