Overloaded Indian trucks caused Binayakhola bridge collapse, claims truckers’ body

KATHMANDU: The Federation of Truck Transport Entrepreneurs Nepal has claimed that the Binaykhola Bridge along the Butwal-Narayanghat section of the East-West Highway in Nawalparasi collapsed due to the negligence of concerned authorities in monitoring the weight of cargo trucks.

Organizing a press meet in Kathmandu on Monday, officials of the federation said overloaded Indian trucks caused the bridge to collapse. The federation has also called on the government to take necessary action against the agencies and officials responsible for monitoring the weight of cargo vehicles.

Rajendra Bikram Baniya, general secretary of the federation, said Indian trucks have been violating the provisions of the Load Regulation Procedure, 2014 by not carrying certified weight documents issued by weighbridges.

The federation has also demanded a ban on the unrestricted movement of Indian cargo vehicles and the cancellation of the 72-hour entry pass system.

“We urge the government to implement the Load Regulation Procedure, 2014 strictly,” Baniya said.

The Federation has further suggested that the government display load capacities and signage on Nepal’s deteriorating bridges and vulnerable roads to prevent future incidents.

On January 10, an Indian cargo truck passing through Dumkibas caused the collapse of the Binay Khola Bridge. Local authorities have created a diversion road to facilitate movement.