KATHMANDU: Lawmakers from the House of Representatives have called for the immediate expansion of the Daunne section along the Butwal–Narayangadh stretch of the East-West Highway, citing frequent landslides, floods, and severe traffic congestion that continue to inconvenience travelers.
During a meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee on Wednesday, MPs expressed concern over the 14-kilometer Daunne segment in Nawalparasi, where ongoing road work has significantly disrupted travel, especially during the monsoon season. They urged that the construction work be accelerated and completed without further delay.
Thakur Gaire, Chairperson of the Committee on Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of Directive Principles, Policies, and Responsibilities of the State, emphasized that delays in expanding the Daunne section have forced travelers to take much longer routes via Butwal–Palpa–Syangja–Pokhara–Tanahun–Muglin–Kathmandu. He criticized the contractor for working in ways that prioritize convenience for the construction team rather than easing the burden on commuters.
Former Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Deputy General Secretary Shakti Bahadur Basnet also raised concerns about the incomplete construction of bridges across the country, which continues to cause hardship during the rainy season. He called on the concerned authorities to complete ongoing bridge projects urgently.
Similarly, CPN (Unified Socialist) leader and former minister Prakash Jwala stressed the need for government preparedness to reduce the impact of seasonal disasters like floods, landslides, and inundations, which are common in various parts of the country during monsoon.
He also questioned the delay in using the newly constructed bridge at Kalimati in Kathmandu, which remains unused despite the Supreme Court completing legal procedures. “Why is the new bridge not operational when the old one is in a dilapidated condition?” he asked.
Lawmakers also highlighted other critical infrastructure issues. MP Maina Karki underscored the urgency of completing the Jajarkot section of the Mid-Hill Highway on time, given its importance for regional connectivity.
As the monsoon intensifies, lawmakers are pressing the government and relevant authorities to expedite road and bridge construction to ensure safer and more efficient travel across Nepal.
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