Dhankuta, May 11

With the construction of major highways and roads under way, 14 districts of provice 1 have come closer in terms of transport connectivity. Linking of mountain and Tarai belt with major highways has shortened travel distance from one district to another in the province.

The under-construction Mid-hill Highway starting from Panchthar has shortened three days’ travel from Panchthar to Tarai to six hours. Similarly, Bhedetar-Rajarani-Rabirake road has facilitated peoples’ movement in Ilam and Panchthar districts. The Tamor-Kabeli Corridor has made it convenient to travel to mountainous districts and the Tarai. Technicians have set the target of expanding the road from Tamor Corridor to Jogbani and Olangchunggola.

Work is under way to construct a road to connect Tamor Corridor with Udayapur. Construction of a 270-km road connecting China’s Kimathanka with India’s Jogbani is under way.

The Mid-hill Highway connects Panchthar, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Khotang and Okhaldhunga districts.

Though small and private vehicles ply the newly-constructed road tracks, public vehicles are yet to ply for want of road upgradation.

Dhankuta Chapter of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Chair Umesh Ghimire said new roads had halted migration of people from districts in the mountain to the Tarai as many people had started their businesses in their home districts.

The work of gravelling and blacktopping the Midhill Highway is under way, while gravelling is being done at Tamor Corridor.

Black-topping has started at Bhedetar-Rajarani-Rabirake road.

Local farmers have started making money by selling vegetables and fruits on the roads.

Construction of Kabeli Corridor is expected to promote places of touristic value like Chatara, Barah Kshetra and Pathivara area, said tourism entrepreneur Rabindra Rai.