DODHARA CHANDANI: Construction of the Postal Highway from Dokebazar in Kanchanpur to Daiji in Bedkot Municipality has entered its final stage, with 44 kilometers of the 62-kilometer stretch already blacktopped.
The project, which began following an agreement signed in Falgun 2073 BS, was divided into three sections.
Despite delays caused by land disputes in some areas, one section has been fully completed, while the remaining two are in the final phase of blacktopping, according to Mukunda Lamichhane, Chief of the Postal Highway Planning Office, Dhangadhi.
“Only repair and painting work remain on the first section. Blacktopping work on the second and third sections is nearing completion,” said Lamichhane. However, construction of an 88-meter stretch in Kakatta, Belauri, has stalled due to ongoing disputes, preventing the contractor from proceeding.
Of the 22 km in the third section, 11 km still remains to be blacktopped. The first 20-km section from Dokebazar to Belauri was constructed at a cost of Rs 364.7 million.
The second section, another 20 km from Belauri to Beldadi, cost Rs 414.1 million. The third section, stretching from Beldadi to Daiji, covers 22 km.
Before the road was built, residents in the southern region of Kanchanpur were forced to take lengthy detours through India and Dhangadhi to reach Mahendranagar, the district headquarters.
The completion of this 62-km stretch of the Postal Highway has brought significant relief to locals, especially in the four southern municipalities—Punnasa, Belauri, Laljhadi, and Beldadi—all of which share an open border with India.
Shuklaphanta National Park, located to the north, further isolated the region. As recently as 2062/63 BS, many residents had to travel on foot to reach Mahendranagar due to a lack of roads.
“During the rainy season, when vehicles couldn’t operate, we had to walk from Bedkot to Beldadi,” recalled local resident Santosh Bista. “That trail was later converted into what is now the Postal Highway.”
Schoolteacher Kebash Bista highlighted the transformative impact of the highway. “Previously, we had to travel through India just to reach Mahendranagar. The highway has changed that and brought about significant economic and social development.”
He noted that the road has improved access to markets, healthcare, and education. “Farmers can now sell their produce easily. Vehicles from Dhangadhi come every morning to buy milk. You can reach Dhangadhi in just an hour. This highway is a lifeline for us.”
The highway has also boosted land values. “Before the road was built, land sold for Rs 400,000 to 500,000,” said local resident Surat Malla. “Now, prices have climbed to as high as Rs 2 million.”
“Life was very difficult back then, but we’re happy now,” Malla added. “Since the formation of the local government, even the interior roads are being blacktopped.”
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