BHOJPUR: Motorboat services have resumed from Kopche to the Baraha area in Haspur, Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality–9, Bhojpur, after being suspended since July due to high river flow.
The suspension had created mobility challenges for locals, especially in the southern region, where the lack of concrete bridges over the Arun and Dudhkoshi rivers continues to pose difficulties.
With water levels now receding, the jetboat service has resumed, easing travel for residents. Local businessman Milan Rai confirmed that boats are currently operating between Kopche and Baraha, with potential to extend the route up to Chatara Bridge if river conditions continue to improve.
“The river flow has decreased, making it safe to resume boating,” Rai said. “If the water level drops further, we can operate all the way to Chatara.”
The service has become a crucial transport link for locals heading to urban centers such as Dharan, Itahari, and Biratnagar. Previously, it took three to four hours to walk to Chatara; now, the journey takes just 20 to 25 minutes by boat. The fare is set at Rs 500 for the Kopche–Baraha route and Rs 700 to reach Chatara.
Local resident Lal Bahadur Pradhan said the resumption of jetboat service has been especially beneficial for those seeking quick access to hospitals in the Terai. “During the festive season, this has become an essential service,” he noted.
“Earlier, we had to travel nearly 200 kilometers through Bhojpur’s district headquarters to reach the Terai. This waterway has significantly shortened that journey.”
Hatuwagadhi Rural Municipality Chairman Prem Kumar Rai said the local government is prioritizing infrastructure development to integrate rafting and motorboating into tourism.
He added that the waterway not only shortens travel time between Hatuwagadhi and Terai districts but also holds potential to boost local tourism and economic activity.
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