KATHMANDU: The construction of a dry port in Chobhar in Kathmandu has gained momentum with the objective of facilitating import and export trade.

The project has stated that the construction work of the port (Kathmandu Container Freight Station) has gained momentum along with the solution of land acquisition and other problems, Gorkhapatra Daily reported on Sunday.

Stating that the government has given high priority to the construction of dry port, the project Chief Yuvak Dangol said that the construction will be completed by April 2021 and the dry port will be operational in Kathmandu.

According to him, the construction work of the port is in full swing now. The port, which is being constructed at a total cost of Rs 1.66 billion, has so far made 60 percent physical progress.

The port is being constructed with the loan assistance of the World Bank.

Despite the government’s efforts to build the dry port since 2010, it has been delayed for some time due to land acquisition, legal hurdles, and obstruction by locals.

He said that the construction deadline had to be extended twice for six months due to obstruction and closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.