Vehicular traffic on East-West Highway affected as Binaykhola bridge collapses

KATHMANDU: Vehicular traffic along the Narayanghat-Butwal section of the East-West Highway has been affected since Friday afternoon after a bridge over the Binaykhola River collapsed on Friday afternoon.

According to Ghanashyam Giri, chairperson of Binaya Triveni Rural Municipality, the bridge gave way as it could not bear the load. “The bridge collapsed at around 4:30 pm. It was already in a risky condition. We had repeatedly informed the government about its vulnerability,” Giri told Himal Press. “The bridge is no longer safe for vehicles. We are urging everyone to use alternative routes.”

Giri suggested that the Sardikhola bypass road via Dumkibas can be used as an alternative route. “Efforts are underway to create a temporary diversion for smaller vehicles starting tonight,” he said. “For heavy vehicles, routes passing through the Hongshi Cement Factory or via Mahabir Crusher can be used.”

Giri said the alternative route for larger vehicles could be arranged by tomorrow. “It won’t be possible to create diversion tonight,” he added.