The real rainfall hasn't even started yet and the infrastructure is already a mess. Construction everywhere just feels like corruption in process.

Summary:

• Pre-monsoon rains have caused daily traffic jams lasting hours on the Narayangadh-Butwal section of the Mahendra Highway, especially around Daunne, where a 14 km stretch can take 4-5 hours to cross. Some travelers have spent almost 24 hours stuck on narrow hilly roads.
• The situation is expected to worsen during the full monsoon season. The Department of Roads plans to discuss urgent measures to keep roads passable during heavy rains, including completing ongoing culvert construction, adding more culverts, avoiding digging drainage ditches that disrupt traffic, and using gravel to maintain road usability.
• The Narayangadh-Butwal road widening project remains incomplete after multiple deadline extensions; the Daunne section is not expected to finish soon due to complex terrain and construction difficulties.
• Alternative routes like the Kaligandaki Corridor exist but are longer and more challenging, especially since roads like the Siddhartha Highway regularly become unstable during rains.
• Experts note a lack of interconnected alternative routes among Nepal’s three main east-west highways (Hulaki, Mahendra, and Madan Bhandari), which could help reduce traffic problems during disruptions.
• Other highways also face issues: the BP Highway near Dhulikhel and Bardibas has damaged sections from last year’s heavy rains; some stretches need complete reconstruction, which may take over two years.
• Earthquake and flood damage from previous monsoons continue to affect roads in various regions, with temporary fixes in place but permanent solutions pending.
• The government is working on emergency measures like installing temporary bridges, clearing landslides quickly, and completing critical infrastructure before monsoon intensifies.
• Despite efforts, many highway sections will remain problematic during the coming rainy season, posing risks and travel delays.

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