Road collapses on Daunne section, halts traffic on East-West Highway
The freshly paved road section was also damaged, as part of the ongoing road upgrading project.
KATHMANDU: Continuous rainfall on Friday night caused a significant road collapse along the critical Daunne section of the East-West Highway in Nawalparasi, leading to a complete disruption of vehicular movement.
According to Inspector Dipendra Baniya, chief of the Area Police Office Bardaghat, approximately seven meters of the road near Khursani Khola — around 3 kilometers west of Bardaghat Bazaar — caved in.
The freshly paved road section was also damaged, as part of the ongoing road upgrading project.
The vital highway has remained fully obstructed since around 11 PM on Friday. Despite efforts, traffic had not resumed as of Saturday morning due to continued light rainfall, making immediate repair work difficult. “We are coordinating with the construction company and the Road Department to restore traffic as soon as the rain stops,” said Inspector Baniya.
The Daunne section has been undergoing partial closures for repairs and upgrades in recent days.
However, even during light rains, the area has been prone to repeated blockages due to landslides and slippery conditions, causing frequent disruption and hardship for travelers.
As a result of Friday night’s collapse, hundreds of passenger and freight vehicles have been stranded.
Authorities have stopped westbound traffic at Bardaghat Bazaar and eastbound vehicles at Jyamire, near Dumkibas.
Passengers have been left stranded, with officials urging the public to either seek alternative routes or remain patient, as reopening the road may take some time.
