Newly constructed bridge over Binayi River at Dumkibas opens for traffic

By Bomlal Giri,Nawalpur, July 4:The Binayi River Bridge located at Dumkibas along the Narayangadh–Butwal section of the East-West Highway has officially come into operation from Thursday. 

According to the Chitwan Road Division Office, all types of vehicles began using the newly constructed bridge from 11:00 am on Thursday.

Issuing a statement, Ishwar Bahadur Rijal, Chief of the Eastern Section of the Narayangadh–Butwal Road Project, mentioned that regular vehicular movement has resumed across the bridge nearly four weeks after its concrete casting was completed.

Earlier, on January 10, the old iron bridge at Dumkibas collapsed while an overloaded Indian truck was crossing it. 

The situation further deteriorated on June 21, when a passenger bus was swept away by the river. Following this incident, no new diversion was constructed. Consequently, only small and light vehicles were able to use alternative routes, while larger freight and passenger vehicles were forced to wait several days until water levels subsided.

With the new bridge now open, the use of alternative and risky routes will no longer be necessary, bringing much-needed relief to both passengers and drivers.

Nonetheless, while the crisis at Dumkibas has been mitigated, challenges persist in Daunne, a nearby section of the highway.  According to Chief Rijal, no expansion work will be carried out in Daunne before the monsoon season ends; only maintenance will take place. The stretch remains problematic, even during light rainfall, as vehicles often lose traction on the slippery incline and get stuck, causing delays and disruptions.

Previously, due to the collapse of the old Binayi Khola Bridge, vehicular movement was rerouted through a temporary structure built by the Bharatpur Road Division Office. However, the temporary structure was washed away nine times resulting in increased repair costs and posing significant travel risks, including potential loss of life and property.

To minimise the risk of accidents and ensure safer travel, the division had advised the public to use alternate routes until a new permanent bridge was completed.