Dhangadi, November 22 Construction of the road that connects Chainpur of Bajhang to Taklakot in Tibet has been initiated of late. Bajhang district headquarters Chainpur was linked with road access seven years ago. A 25-kilometre long road track from Chainpur-Taklakot has opened so far. With the opening of the track, people have started travelling to Rupatola of Dhamena VDC, 18 km north of the district headquarters Chainpur. After the track is opened till Kada VDC, it will connect Taklakot of Tibet with Nepal. “When we come to Rupatola of Dhamena by bus, we feel like we have reached the Tibetan border. If the government takes initiatives to open the track, Bajhang could emerge as a trade hub of the region,” said Gyan Bahadur Bohara of Reelu. Sheep farmers of Dhalaun, Kada and Dhuli villages of Kada VDC travel to Taklakot for business and return for six months every year. They bring food items and clothes from there. As sheep, horses and people can easily go via the route, Taklakot has been a main trading hub for Bajhang residents even at present. Taklakot is a three-day walk from Dhuli, but it takes around a week from Chainpur. “Saipal border point is the shortest route to reach Kailash Sarobar,” said Tek Bahadur Tamang of Dhuli. If the route is upgraded properly, the district can be developed as a religious and tourism heritage site, said Tamang. He said the road track along the route could be the best option at a time when the country is reeling under blockade in the plains. Chairpur-Taklakot is a 100-km route and the government allocates 50 million rupees every year for road construction. Ein Bahadur Singh, engineer of Khodpe-Bajhang road project, accused the government of neglecting the road section. “Construction of the road section to link to Tibet’s Taklakot can be completed within five to six years if the government gives enough priority,” claimed Singh.