Mahakali Corridor: Big Promises, Slow Progress Leave Locals Frustrated

KANCHANPUR, Nov 9: When Lok Bahadur Thapa Magar moved from Jogbudha, Dadeldhura to Tudikhel in Kanchanpur-9 in 2008, he was hopeful. The long-awaited Mahakali Corridor was expected to link Brahmadev in Kanchanpur to Tinker in Darchula, improving mobility, boosting trade, and bringing essential services closer.

Fifteen years later, that hope has largely faded.
“We were told the road would bring education, health, and business opportunities, but it’s still not complete,” Thapa said.

Although the corridor’s track has been opened, travel remains difficult—especially during monsoon season when several stretches become unusable. Thapa said villagers still carry patients on foot to distant health facilities because there are no hospitals or schools nearby. “Roads are our biggest problem,” he added.

Another resident, Lila Pun Magar, echoed the frustration. “We heard about this road 12 years before the track even opened. We still have hope, but the government needs to prioritize it and finish the work.”

Locals believe the Mahakali Corridor could significantly improve connectivity with India, support local industries, and attract tourism. “This road is essential not just for travel but also for trade,” said resident Ramesh Nayak, adding that its completion could transform the Far West’s economy.

The 413-kilometer road aims to connect Brahmadev to Tinker on the Nepal–China border, passing through Dadeldhura, Baitadi, and Darchula. Once completed, the corridor is expected to benefit nearly 800,000 people, boost cross-border trade with India and China, and ease pilgrimages to Mount Kailash.

But progress has been slow due to funding shortages, procedural delays, and bureaucratic inertia. Despite being launched nearly 15 years ago, the project remains far from completion. For the current fiscal year, only Rs 229.7 million has been allocated—insufficient even to clear outstanding contractor payments exceeding Rs 1.5 billion, according to project information officer Ram Chandra Jaishi.

Construction status also varies widely across districts:

• Kanchanpur: 11 km completed
• Dadeldhura: 28 km completed
• Baitadi: 114 km completed
• Darchula: 77 km completed

The Nepali Army is currently opening 79 km of track between Tusarapani and Tinker, while about 37 km in Dadeldhura and Darchula have been partially blacktopped.

Initially expected to cost Rs 18.16 billion and be finished by fiscal year 2023/24, the project now lags significantly behind schedule due to budget constraints and delays in environmental approvals.

What once promised development and opportunity has instead become a symbol of prolonged neglect, leaving locals with little more than unfulfilled expectations.