An important new road link in Nepal is now open to traffic, having been completed by the Nepal Army. Construction of the new National Priority Road has taken 15 years due in part to the challenging nature of the terrain.
The road runs to the north of Nepal to Rasuwagadi, lying on the border with China. Meanwhile the southern end of the highway is at Thori, on the border with India. transport road is of key importance to Nepal as it will provide an important trade link through the country between India and China. It will deliver substantial economic benefits for Nepal through a boost in trade with its neighbouring giants. The new road will also provide the shortest route (at 134km) between the Chinese border and Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. In addition, the road also links with three of Nepal’s other major road routes. These are the Prithvi Highway, the Mungling-Narayanghad Road and the East-West Highway.
The Nepal Army handed over the road officially to Nepal’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The road’s foundation stone was laid down by the former finance minister, Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, on January 23rd 2015. The road was inaugurated on May 20th 2018 by the minister for Defence, Ishwor Pokharel.