The much-anticipated Dodhara Chandani dry port project in the country’s far-western region has begun its physical transformation. The long-awaited construction.
which involves the removal of 1,593 trees, has sparked a flurry of discussions about its environmental impact, especially as it progresses within the ecologically sensitive buffer zone of Shuklaphanta National Park. The tree-cutting work, awarded under a Rs4 million contract, started in the Mayapuri Community Forest, a vital part of the region’s natural ecosystem.The Dodhara Chandani dry port, located on the Nepal-India border, is expected to become Nepal’s fourth dry port, marking a major step toward alleviating the country’s reliance on its eastern ports, most notably the Kolkata Port. The Rs2.54 billion initiative is being supported by Indian funding and is poised to boost Nepal’s economic growth by opening up new trade routes to key Indian states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand, alongside the broader benefits of facilitating access to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai.
The project is progressing at a rapid pace, with a projected completion timeline of 30 months. It will consist of a variety of facilities, including a seven-hectare import warehouse, a 2,520-square-metre export warehouse, and a large railway warehouse. Furthermore, it aims to handle up to 3,000 twenty-foot freight containers in the long term, streamlining Nepal’s transport and trade operations significantly. These infrastructural advancements are expected to lower transportation costs, which have traditionally been a major bottleneck in Nepal’s economic development.However, this ambitious project also comes with environmental concerns. The tree-cutting activity, although conducted under strict supervision by the park administration, raises questions about the ecological ramifications. As part of the mitigation process, the government has deposited Rs150 million in compensation for the environmental damage caused by the deforestation. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the project’s development aligns with Nepal’s sustainable development goals.
The strategic location of the Dodhara Chandani port is also expected to improve Nepal’s trade efficiency. Situated 245 kilometres from New Delhi, it is set to serve as a vital logistical hub for trade between Nepal and India. This new gateway is expected to enhance the flow of goods and services, reduce bottlenecks at existing trade points, and improve Nepal’s access to both regional and international markets.Political leaders in Nepal have long viewed this dry port project as a vital economic asset. There is an emerging vision to expand the facility’s role beyond a trade hub to potentially becoming a tri-junction for trade between Nepal, India, and China, thereby boosting Nepal’s regional and international influence. The project is also seen as crucial for integrating the far-western region of Nepal with the national development agenda, which could lead to more job creation and economic opportunities in an otherwise underdeveloped area.
The construction of key infrastructure like the four-lane bridge over the Mahakali River and the 8-kilometre road to the port site is already in the final stages. The Indian side of the road construction is also progressing well, marking a collaborative effort to create seamless trade routes across the border.
While the Dodhara Chandani dry port project has garnered widespread support for its potential economic benefits, the ongoing environmental concerns highlight the need for a balanced approach to development. As Nepal moves forward with this landmark initiative, it must ensure that ecological considerations are integrated into its broader strategy, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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Nepal Begins Tree Removal for Dodhara Chandani Dry Port
