The Daunne section of the East-West Highway has been blocked due to muddy conditions following overnight rainfall on Tuesday.

According to Police Inspector Rajan Timilsina of the Area Police Office, Dumkibas, cargo trucks have been stuck near three under-construction culverts east of the Bishwakarma Temple in Daunne since 1am on Wednesday, obstructing the highway.

He said smaller vehicles also faced difficulties due to the muddy road, making it nearly impossible for any vehicle to move. “Vehicles heading uphill towards Butwal cannot proceed due to the mud. We are arranging an alternate route for vehicles travelling from the west to the east,” said Timilsina.

The 14-kilometre stretch at Daunne has become increasingly problematic during the monsoon because of poor construction progress. China State Engineering Corporation, the contractor responsible for widening the highway, has failed to meet deadlines, leaving potholes and unfinished sections that worsen during rain.

Additionally, the temporary diversion built after a bridge over the Binayi River at Dumkibas broke six months ago was again swept away by floods on Tuesday night. This marks the fourth time in three weeks that the diversion has been washed away.

“The diversion was reconstructed yesterday evening but was again swept away by floodwaters during the night,” said Inspector Timilsina. “The river quickly erodes the earthen road as soon as there is a flood.”

Meanwhile, in Lamjung, the only road connecting the Himalayan district of Manang — the Besisahar–Chame road — was blocked due to a landslide near Chyamche in ward 4 of Marsyangdi Rural Municipality.

Hotelier Baburam Tamang said the landslide struck around midnight between Chyamche and the Bung Waterfall area, making it impossible for vehicles or people to pass through.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Resham Bohara, chief of the District Police Office Lamjung, confirmed the obstruction, adding that police personnel have been deployed to the site and coordination is ongoing with road authorities to clear the debris.