KATHMANDU, JULY 6

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that the Karnali Corridor will be developed as a trade route connecting Nepal with both China and India.

Speaking at the inauguration of a bailey bridge over the Chuwakhola River in Kharpunath Rural Municipality, Humla, on Sunday, the Prime Minister emphasized that the corridor holds strategic importance not only for residents of Karnali and Humla but also as a vital commercial link with Nepal's two neighboring countries.

He stated that the road would be upgraded to a two-lane blacktop highway. A motorable bridge will also soon be constructed over Chuwakhola along the Karnali Corridor, enhancing connectivity further.

The newly inaugurated bailey bridge connects the Humla district headquarters to the national road network-26 years after road construction in the region first began. Expressing his satisfaction over Simkot's linkage to the national network, PM Oli said the bridge marks a milestone in integrating remote regions with national infrastructure.

'The bridge was built to connect Humla to the national road system and eventually extend it to the tri-junction point,' he said, pledging to complete a permanent motorable bridge and lead the nation toward prosperity. The Prime Minister further affirmed that road upgrades will continue, despite logistical and geographical challenges.

Highlighting the trade potential with China, the Prime Minister also announced plans to establish a quarantine facility at Hilsa, the border point between Nepal and China. 'To facilitate cross-border trade, a quarantine office must be established immediately,' he said.

The bailey bridge was installed by the Nepali Army within three months. PM Oli traveled to Kharpunath by a Nepali Army helicopter and was warmly received by local residents upon arrival.

Also present at the ceremony were Defence Minister Manbir Rai, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, Karnali Province Chief Yagya Raj Joshi, Chief Minister of Karnali Province Yamlal Kandel, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, and other senior officials.