KANCHANPUR: Local residents in Kanchanpur district are hopeful that the completion of the dry port in Dodhara Chandani will create more job opportunities.
Locals expect the project to pave the way for new industries, which in turn will generate employment. With more jobs available locally, many believe they will no longer need to migrate to Indian cities in search of work—a common trend among youth in the area.
Currently, tree felling for the dry port construction has gained momentum. The clearing operation has been ongoing for the past 10 days, and a total of 1,593 trees need to be cut for the project to proceed.
In addition, key infrastructure supporting the dry port has already been completed. A four-lane motorable bridge over the Mahakali River and a six-lane road from Gaddachauki to the dry port site are now in operation.
Ram Khadka, 60, a resident of Dodhara Chandani Municipality-1, said the bridge and the new road have already brought noticeable changes to the area. He expressed optimism that the dry port will further boost development and job prospects for locals.
Similarly, Jung Bahadur Malla, a central committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said the dry port could stimulate economic activity across districts in Sudurpaschim Province. He noted that the facility would enhance trade access with New Delhi and other industrial hubs in India, fostering job creation, improved connectivity, and new industries.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the dry port was signed between the Government of Nepal and the Government of India on June 1, 2023. The project is being developed with financial and technical assistance from India.
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