Vehicular movement started on Thursday over the newly constructed concrete bridge over the Binayi River at Dumkibas in Nawalparasi East, putting an end to the use of diversion for months after the previous structure collapsed.

According to Ishwar Bahadur Rijal, chief engineer of the eastern section of the Butwal–Narayanghat Road Project, traffic began using the new bridge earlier in the day. “The new structure allows transportation of vehicles carrying goods up to 40 tonnes,” he said.

Freight vehicles, which had been navigating a temporary diversion since the old steel bridge broke down on January 10, are now crossing directly via the new concrete bridge. The diversion had forced trucks to pass by turns, causing long delays.

“With Thursday’s opening, vehicles can now travel directly between Bardaghat and Dumkibas,” Rijal added.

While the bridge has restored normal vehicular flow, traffic jams at Daunne remain a concern during rainy weather. The 14-kilometre stretch between Bardaghat and Dumkibas along the Narayanghat-Butwal road includes Daunne, which frequently experiences congestion.

Only three kilometres on the western end of the road, near Bardaghat, have been blacktopped.