NAWALPARASI: The Daunne section of the Butwal–Narayangadh road has faced disruptions 63 times in the past year.

Located in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-2 of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), the stretch between July 16, 2024 and July 16, 2025 experienced repeated blockages.

According to Janak Banjara, Chief of the District Traffic Police Office, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), the road was either completely or partially obstructed during this period.

Most of the obstructions were caused by landslides or mudslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Additional disruptions occurred when large machinery became stuck during maintenance work, or when trucks broke down and blocked the route.

Frequent blockage points included Bishwokarma Temple, Ghyukhola, Triyasi Mod, and other vulnerable spots in the Daunne area. Road closures have increased since the commencement of wall-cutting work in the Daunne hills for the Butwal–Narayangadh road expansion project.

Despite being just 14 kilometers long, the Daunne section recorded more closures in the last fiscal year than the year before, Banjara noted.

“During the rainy season, continuous landslides, mud, and road erosion pose major challenges. Even on sunny days, potholes and dust make the Daunne area problematic,” he said.

Further complications arose after the collapse of the Binayi Khola bridge in Dumkibas, Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-1. Temporary diversions were frequently washed away by the river, causing major traffic disruptions. However, the situation improved after the new Binayi Khola bridge came into operation.

To facilitate road expansion in the Daunne section, authorities restricted non-essential vehicular movement between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Currently, wall construction, culvert installation, and slope stabilization work are ongoing, according to Engineer Shiva Khanal, Information Officer of the Eastern Section.

Out of the 114-kilometer Narayangadh–Butwal road section, 65 kilometers—from Gaindakot to Daunne—are being expanded to three lanes, with six lanes planned in market areas.

Fourteen kilometers in the Daunne region, identified as a high-risk zone, are undergoing intensive work. The China State Engineering Corporation, which was awarded the Rs. 17 billion project, has already received three deadline extensions. The current deadline for completion is mid-August.