Dhankuta, January 30

Transportation has become easier after the track of the much awaited Tamor corridor, a fast track linking the eastern hilly districts with neighbouring India and China, opened from Mulghat in Dhankuta to Panchthar.

Earlier, people living in the proximity of Tamor River had no alternative but to walk at least three hours to access transportation facility. With the track opening, it has not only become easy for people to have access to means of transport, but it has also helped boost the business of agro products, said Narendra Yakha, a local at Mulghat. “We are elated at being connected with major market areas through road,” said Yakha.

The corridor is the shortest route connecting hill districts, including Dhankuta, Panchthar, Terhathum and Taplejung to districts in the plains. Dozens of small vehicles have started their service after the 52-km track from Mulghat of Dhankuta to Sawakhola of Panchthar opened.

Tamor Corridor Project Chief Kuber Nepali said they were working to connect Mulghat of Dhankuta to Tibet of China via Majhitar of Panchthar; Suketar of Taplejung and Olangchunggola. He also said they were preparing to sign a contract for construction of a road from Barahachhetra to Chatara of Sunsari along the Tamor River within a month; and a 140-km road from Suwangkhola of Panchthar  to Chatara would be constructed soon. The cost of road construction from Mulghat to Taplejung was Rs 650 million.

As per transport entrepreneurs, it takes more than eight to 10 hours to reach the Tarai districts from Taplejung and six hours to reach the Tarai from Panchthar via Ilam. However, with construction of the corridor, Tarai districts can be reached within four to five hours.