A landslide occurred at Daunne along the Narayanghat-Butwal road of the East-West Highway, in ward 2 of Binayi Tribeni Rural Municipality on Friday, blocking traffic, police said.

Continuous rainfall for the past three days had already limited movement to a single lane, and with the fresh landslide, travellers have been left stranded.

Although clearance work is underway, poor road conditions and ongoing rain have prompted police to advise the use of alternative routes, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhu Nepal of the District Police Office, Nawalparasi East.

Waterlogging caused by poor drainage has been affecting vehicle movement in Daunne.

Travellers have faced frequent disruptions, but the Road Department and China State Corporation, responsible for road widening, have shown little concern in addressing the recurring issue.

Road widening work began over six years ago in 2019. Multiple factors have caused delays, including construction challenges, monsoon-triggered disruptions, and project management issues. The original completion date was July 2022, but it has now been extended to July 2026.

So far, 104 kilometres of the 113-kilometre Narayanghat-Butwal road has been asphalted in either direction and 80 kilometres blacktopped in both directions. Most sections are now smooth except for a few stretches in Daunne. Nine kilometres in Daunne still need final surfacing and paving.

The road is a major westbound route connecting Kathmandu and the central regions to the western parts of Nepal. Traffic surges during festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, making road conditions a key concern for travellers.