Chormara bridge collapse brings vehicular movements to halt

By Bomalal Giri,Nawalpur, May 14: Travellers along the Narayanghat–Butwal section of the East-West Highway have been left stranded after a bridge over the Giruwari Khola in Chormara, Ward No. 6 of Madhyabindu Municipality, Nawalpur, collapsed. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Saturday, causing a complete halt in vehicular movement.

According to Superintendent of Police Yadav Dhakal, the bridge is beyond repair, and a new one cannot be constructed immediately. Until a diversion is built, vehicular movement remains impossible. 

The bridge collapsed under the weight of an overloaded 16-wheeled trailer transporting clinker from Hongshi Cement Factory to Birgunj.

While heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks remain stuck, small and light vehicles have begun using an alternative route. Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhu Nepal stated that vehicles heading west from the east are being diverted through Chormara Bazaar, Tamasariya village, and Ranitar before rejoining the highway at Arun Khola via Phulbari and Bhiuran. Eastbound vehicles follow a similar path in reverse.

Despite the alternative route being long and unpaved, the absence of water in the riverbed has allowed small vehicles to operate without major issues. However, the route is unsuitable for larger vehicles due to sharp turns and limited space.

Construction of a diversion near the collapsed bridge is currently underway, but the damaged structure remains entirely closed to traffic with no immediate prospect of reopening.