Residents of Kohalpur Municipality have urged the government to prioritize the construction of an inter-provincial tourism road that connects Kohalpur to Salyan via Ghuinyabari, Salyan. This route, which passes through Chappargaudi and Khadakwar in Wards 12 and 13 of Kohalpur, is seen as vital for the economic and social upliftment of the area.
Local leader Tek Bahadur Shahi emphasized the need for this road to receive attention from both provincial and central governments. He stated that the construction of this road would not only integrate the remote villages of Wards 12 and 13 into the broader road network but also significantly contribute to improving the economic conditions of the people in Banke and Salyan districts.
The push for this road began four years ago, with residents of Wards 12 and 13 forming a joint struggle committee. Their persistent efforts have led to the commencement of the construction process, according to Om Prakash Oli, a local from Ward 13 and former Ward Chairperson. “We were all happy when the construction of the Chappargaudi-Ghuinyabari road began, but the progress has since slowed down,” he noted. “The government must prioritize this project for the economic and social development of rural areas in Salyan and Banke.”
Oli also highlighted the road’s significance from a tourism perspective, as it traverses the Chure, Bhavar, and Terai regions, and passes by temples and a national park.
The road’s construction has already started with a budget of NPR 80 million allocated over the past two fiscal years, and an additional NPR 50 million has been allocated for the current year, according to Member of Parliament Surya Dhakal. Dhakal further stated that this road would serve as a milestone in raising the economic standard of the people in Banke and Salyan. It would also shorten travel time and reduce costs for those traveling to Salyan, Surkhet, Pyuthan, and Rolpa.
He added, “If the road is completed, it will enable the transportation of hill produce to the Terai and vice versa, further enhancing the region’s economic integration.” Dhakal also committed to ongoing support for the successful completion of this project, acknowledging that it had long been a demand of the local community.
The Khadakwar Community Homestay, located near the road in Kohalpur Ward 13, is expected to see increased activity once the inter-provincial tourism route is operational, according to Lal Bahadur Rana, chairperson of the Homestay Management Committee.
Locals view this road as crucial for the area’s tourism potential, given its passage through diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. Despite long-standing discussions about the project, it is only now receiving the necessary priority, Dhakal noted. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring its successful completion.
