Under the Mahendra highway, the road diversion has not been constructed due to the flood in Binayi river at Dumkiwas in East Nawalparasi. After Sunday's flood swept away the old diversion, now hundreds of cargo carriers and empty trucks traveling east-west through Mahendra Highway are stopped in Dumkiwas and Bardghat areas.
Meanwhile, small vehicles and passenger buses are plying through the Hongsigate-Sardi section of the Mahendra Highway. However, due to the narrowness of the inner roads, cargo and long-distance vehicles have been banned from operating.
In the 14 km long stretch of road between Bardghat and Dumkiwas, the problem of vehicles getting stuck is being seen even when there is normal rain. Due to this fear, long distance passenger buses are plying through the Butwal-Pokhara route.
Preparation for operation through the concrete bridge from Saturday
The construction of the concrete bridge over Vinayi river has been prepared to be put into operation from next Saturday. However, due to the continuous rains, the final preparation of the bridge and the construction of the diversion could not proceed as the flood of the river did not subside.
According to Ishwar Bahadur Rizal, head of the eastern section of the road project, although JCB, excavators and dozers are ready for the construction of the diversion, the work could not be done due to excessive water. 'Diversion construction is not possible until the water recedes,' said Rizal.
The movement of long distance cargo trucks and lorries has come to a standstill due to lack of diversion. The police administration has informed that trucks and lorries have been stopped at various places in the area where the road has been blocked.
