As construction of a long-anticipated dry port advances in Kanchanpur’s Dodhara Chandani region, expectations are rising among residents who have long relied on cross-border migration for livelihood.
The upcoming trade facility is poised to reshape the district’s employment landscape by anchoring industrial growth, stimulating infrastructure development, and enabling local job creation. Currently, physical works such as tree felling are progressing to clear the project site, with nearly 1,600 trees marked for removal. Despite ecological concerns, the development is being closely monitored, with infrastructure works such as a completed four-lane bridge over the Mahakali River and a six-lane access road from Gaddachauki already redefining regional connectivity. These strategic additions are not only facilitating construction but also signalling a new era for logistics and commerce in this once-overlooked part of Sudurpaschim Province.
Local residents, many of whom traditionally migrate to Indian cities in search of work, now see renewed hope. As employment opportunities become locally available, families envision stability and reduced migration. The area has witnessed a generational pattern of economic displacement, with young workers often leaving behind ageing parents and disrupted communities. The dry port’s potential to host warehousing, logistics companies, and ancillary industries could shift that paradigm, bringing income opportunities closer to home. Beyond local implications, the dry port stands to play a pivotal role in Nepal’s trade ecosystem. Its proximity to the Indian border and direct road access to New Delhi positions it as a strategic node for regional trade. As goods flow more efficiently, the dry port is expected to reduce bottlenecks at other overburdened points of entry and diversify economic activity across the country. This also aligns with the broader economic decentralisation goals of the Government of Nepal.
The project is being realised under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed in mid-2023 between the governments of Nepal and India, with financial and technical support extended by the latter. This collaboration underscores a growing emphasis on cross-border infrastructure that not only facilitates trade but also addresses long-standing socio-economic imbalances in remote border areas. While environmental advocates voice concerns over tree loss and ecological disruption, supporters argue that such infrastructure is critical for long-term economic resilience. Balancing growth with sustainability remains key as Kanchanpur navigates this transformative phase. Yet, for many on the ground, the promise of jobs, business potential, and improved connectivity offers a tangible path forward.
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