KATHMANDU: The Narayanghat-Butwal section of the East-West Highway will remain completely closed during nighttime hours starting Saturday, as authorities respond to rising safety concerns along the under-construction road.
The road will be shut from 7 PM to 5 AM daily, and heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the route even during the day until further notice.
The decision was made following a meeting chaired by Chief District Officer of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), Bhaviswar Pandey, and attended by representatives from the Road Department’s Project Directorate under the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Project Director Engineer Chudaraj Dhakal said that the move was necessary due to increasing risks caused by monsoon rains, particularly at Dumkibas where the diversion road built near the Binayi River has been repeatedly damaged by floodwaters.
The newly constructed bridge in Dumkibas is not yet operational, and frequent erosion of the temporary diversion has led to serious safety concerns. Authorities cited Thursday night’s near-tragic incident in which a passenger bus was almost swept away by the river as a turning point for the stricter traffic decision.
Meanwhile, in the Daunne section of the same highway, road repairs are ongoing where gravel is being laid. Even light rain has been causing extreme muddiness in the area, making the road difficult and dangerous for vehicular movement.
As a result, large freight and passenger vehicles will be restricted from using the road at all hours, and drivers of light vehicles are advised to proceed only after assessing road conditions during the day.
The Narayanghat-Butwal section is undergoing expansion to a four-lane road, but construction has been delayed by repeated monsoon impacts. Authorities hope the new restrictions will help prevent accidents until the road is fully operational and safe for public use.
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