Flood washes away Binayi River diversion for fifth time, East-West Highway blocked

By Bomalal Giri,Nawalpur, June 18: The Narayangadh-Butwal section of the East-West Highway has been blocked again since last night after floods triggered by heavy rainfall washed away a diversion of the Binayi River in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality. 

According to the Nawalpur District Police Office, the sudden increase in water level submerged and swept away the diversion, disrupting traffic.

The Nawalpur area received a heavy rainfall last night.

Although efforts are underway to repair the diversion and resume traffic, strong water currents have made restoration difficult, said Madhu Nepal, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Spokesperson for the District Police Office.

Since December 11 last year, after the collapse of the 245-metre-long old bridge over the Binayi River at Dumkibas due to the passage of a heavy Indian truck, a diversion was made for vehicles to cross the river.

 This is the fifth time the river has caused disruption to the diversion.

While freight vehicles remain stranded, passenger buses and small vehicles have been using a route via Hongshi Cement gate to Sardi-Dumkibas market, police said. 

However, vehicles face difficulties while climbing the muddy and slippery uphill stretch at Daunne, leading to long queues of vehicles in Dumkibas.

Most vehicles are stuck at Arun Khola, Dumkibas, and Hongshi Gate, with nearly 200 vehicles lined up, according to Madhu Nepal. This situation has caused significant problems for drivers and hundreds of passengers.

A new permanent concrete bridge under construction at Daunne is expected to open on July 28. According to Shiva Khanal, information officer of the Narayanghat-Butwal Road Project, traffic will be allowed on the bridge 28 days after the final concrete pour, which was completed on June 6.