The Karnali Corridor, a key component of the ‘South and North Axis Growth’ initiative, serves as a vital link connecting Nepal, China, and India. Recently, the federal government announced a contract for the highway's upgrade, allocating Rs 4.2bn for the project. This development has been met with enthusiasm by the residents of Karnali. Shankar Prasad Upadhyay, Mayor of Tilagufa Municipality in Kalikot, expressed his excitement, stating, “The federal government has prioritized the upgrade of the Karnali Highway, addressing a long-standing issue in the region. This is a moment of great joy for us.”

The Karnali Corridor stretches from Hilsa in Humla, near the China border, to Jamunah in Banke, bordering India. The corridor was named 23 years ago, with construction beginning in 2000 when the then Deputy Prime Minister (now President) Ram Chandra Poudel laid its foundation stone in Khulalu, Kalikot. Although the track was officially opened in 2018, progress on upgrading the highway has been slow.

The total length of the road from Jamunah to Hilsa is 505 km. The southern section, spanning 269 km, runs from Khulalu in Kalikot to Piluchaur in Bajura and onward to Simkot and Hilsa near the China border. The southern section includes the 123-km Karnali Corridor South Section (Khulalu-Sallisalla) and the 146-km Karnali Corridor North Section (Hilsa-Simkot-Sallisalla), which falls under Humla's jurisdiction. Last year, a contract was managed for the 60-km stretch from Khulalu to Piluchaur, with an allocation of approximately Rs 20m.

Pankaj Singh Dhami, an engineer with the Karnali Corridor Road Project in Kolti Bajura, stated that a contract worth Rs 4bn has been called for the construction of 50 km of road, covering the Piluchaur-Kuwadi (Bajura section) and Kuwadi-Tumchaur (Humla section). He added that graveling, road widening, and drain construction have been ongoing since Khulalu. “We have already called for two multi-year contracts to complete the Piluchaur-Tumchaur section, and work will commence shortly,” he said.

The project includes blacktopping 23.7 km of the Piluchaur-Kuwadi road and 26.3 km of the Kuwadi-Tumchaur road in Bajura. The multi-year contract targets completion within three years of signing. The road will be widened to 5.5 meters on difficult slopes, 7.75 meters in other areas, and 9 meters in market areas. Additionally, Rs 340m has been allocated this year for the Karnali Corridor North Section (Hilsa-Simkot-Sallisalla) Planning Office, with road upgrading work already underway in the Simkot-Hilsa section since last year.

Another significant highway in the region, the Ratna Highway, which connects Kohalpur-Surkhet-Bangesimal, is also slated for upgrades. This 90.75-km road links Banke, Bardiya, and Surkhet. The Road Department has submitted an environmental impact assessment report to the Ministry of Forest and Environment, indicating that no additional land acquisition will be required as the project will utilize existing land within the road's jurisdiction. The estimated cost for this upgrade is Rs 6.5bn, with a target completion time of four years.

Manav Bam, General Secretary of the Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs in Karnali Province, highlighted the importance of the upgrades, stating, “The current highway entering Karnali Province is narrow and prone to frequent blockages. The federal government’s commitment to ensuring the budget for a two-lane highway is a significant step forward. This will serve as a gateway to Karnali, facilitating the transportation of development and construction materials.”

The project also includes the upgrade of 38 dilapidated bridges along the route. The Ratna Highway connects Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, with Nepalgunj, the commercial hub of Lumbini Province, and other major cities. Starting from Kohalpur Chowk on the East-West Highway, it ends at Bangesimal in Birendranagar, Surkhet. The environmental impact assessment report notes that 4,348 trees in community forests and 6,053 trees in national parks will need to be cut, totaling 10,886 trees.

These infrastructure upgrades are expected to significantly enhance connectivity and economic development in the Karnali region, fostering greater integration with neighboring countries and improving the quality of life for local residents.