Nawalparasi West, April 14
To address severe travel challenges and expedite the expansion of the Narayanghat-Butwal highway, nighttime road closures will be implemented in the Daunne hill area starting Monday. This initiative comes after five days of daytime closures, which proved ineffective due to adverse weather conditions.
The road will remain closed from 11 PM to 5 AM for 15 consecutive nights to facilitate hill-cutting operations. According to the project management, this schedule aims to intensify work on the 14-kilometer stretch, which has been marred by potholes, mud, and dust, causing persistent difficulties for travelers.
Frequent rainfall has further deteriorated road conditions, making travel hazardous as vehicles struggle to navigate the muddy surface. Daily traffic jams and delays have left travelers stranded for hours, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.
Local authorities, including SP Gyanendra Prasad Phuyal of the District Police Office, have emphasized that the decision to shift work to nighttime was taken to prevent further disruption during peak travel hours. During the closure, vehicles will be halted at Dumkibas on the eastern side and Bardghat, Jyampire, and Hakui on the western side.
Despite being extended for a third time, the road expansion project has achieved only 61% physical progress. The deadline for completion, set for the upcoming month of Shrawan (July-August), looms large. Meanwhile, locals and travelers continue to bear the brunt of delays, as the road's poor condition worsens with every passing day.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the project's impact on the surrounding area, calling for a sustainable approach that prioritizes environmental preservation alongside infrastructure development. With monsoon season fast approaching, swift and efficient work remains critical to mitigate further issues.
Ecosphere News will continue to monitor and report on the progress of this vital infrastructure project, which remains crucial for regional connectivity and development.
