The Sudurpashchim Province Government has allocated over NPR 93 million for a cable car feasibility study in Badimalika and tourism infrastructure development in Khaptad to bolster tourism and facilities in two significant religious and tourism destinations in western Nepal.
As per the province’s budget for fiscal year 2083/84 BS, NPR 32.5 million has been allocated to look at the feasibility of operating a cable car in Badimalika, Bajura, and NPR 61 million has been put aside for infrastructure development in Khaptad National Park. The proposed investments would include tourism related facilities, electricity line expansion and improvements in infrastructure in the two areas. The plans are part of the province’s efforts to develop religious and tourism destinations.
Badimalika Cable Car Project Moves to Feasibility Study
The province Government has allocated NPR 32.5 million to assess the feasibility of operating a cable car in Badimalika, a religious and tourism destination in the Bajura district. The allocation has been made in the province’s budget for the current fiscal year, with the study aimed at looking at the potential for developing cable car services in the area. The initiative is aimed at promoting tourism and improving access to the destination.
The government has also announced plans to proceed with a management feasibility study and look into operating the proposed cable car under a public private partnership (PPP) arrangement using the build operate transfer (BOT) model. The process is expected to get underway during the current fiscal year. The provincial Finance Minister Chakra Bahadur Malla presented the budget and announced that funding had been allocated for the feasibility study. The government has also planned to extend electricity lines to the Badimalika area.
Khaptad Receives NPR 61 Million for Tourism Infrastructure
The province Government has allocated NPR 61 million for infrastructure development in Khaptad National Park, another important religious and tourism destination in the Sudurpashchim province. The budget includes the construction of a temple and other necessary facilities in the area. The proposed development would be aimed at reflecting the cultural identity of Sudurpashchim and improving facilities for visitors and pilgrims.
The allocation includes plans to construct a pagoda style temple at Triveni dham, which lies in Khaptad near the confluence of the Bajura, Bajhang, Achham and Doti districts. The proposed works would include a Golden Bridge and the expansion of electricity lines in the area. The lack of electricity has posed challenges for security personnel, locals and tourists staying or travelling in Khaptad. Extending the power supply and developing basic infrastructure would be beneficial in improving conditions for visitors and supporting tourism activities in the region.
Electricity and Improved Facilities Could Support Visitor Access
The proposed infrastructure improvements in Badimalika and Khaptad would address some of the facilities needed to bolster tourism in the remote parts of the Sudurpashchim province. The proposed cable car study in Badimalika would assess the feasibility of a new transport facility, while the Khaptad investment would be focused on religious infrastructure, electricity access and other essential facilities. Both destinations had religious significance and attracted visitors interested in pilgrimage and nature based travel.
However, the Badimalika cable car remains at the feasibility study stage, and the allocation does not mean that construction has been approved or has begun. The proposed public-private partnership and BOT arrangement will be dependent on the process undertaken following on the study. In Khaptad, the planned temple, bridge and electricity works are intended to address the infrastructure needs that impact visitors as well as the people living and working in the area.
Provincial Budget Also Allocates Funds for Hospital Upgrades
In addition to tourism infrastructure, the province’s budget has also allocated NPR 60 million to support the upgrading of Kolti Basic Hospital in Bajura and Gokuleshwar in Darchula into provincial hospitals. The plan includes arranging for the necessary infrastructure and human resources to expand access to specialist healthcare services. The proposal is aimed at improving healthcare access for residents of the districts and surrounding areas.
Kolti Basic Hospital, which lies in Budhinanda Municipality 2 in the northeastern part of Bajura, serves the residents of four local levels in the eastern and northern parts of the district. Patients from the neighboring Mugu, Humla and Kalikot districts also visit Kolti for treatment. If the proposed upgrade is implemented, the hospital is expected to be able to offer a wider range of specialist services closer to the communities it serves.
