Dry port construction in Dodhara-Chandni to commence Soon: Industries minister Bhandari

Kanchanpur: Industry, Commerce, and Supply Minister Damodar Bhandari announced that the construction of the Dodhara Chandni Dry Port will soon proceed, with work expected to begin within the next few months.

During an inspection of the proposed dry port site in Dodhara Chandni today, Minister Bhandari revealed that the Cabinet has approved the use of 42.36 hectares of Mayapuri Community Forest, located within Shuklaphanta National Park, for the port's construction. He emphasized that all processes are now underway and that the Government of India is also eager to expedite the project.

Minister Bhandari also noted the government's plans to open the Taklakot border crossing in Bajhang and the Tinkar border crossing in Darchula, which will become the shortest trade routes in the country.

Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, confirmed that after receiving approval to utilize the Mayapuri forest land, the construction process has officially begun. He added that compensation in the form of land or its value will be provided to the national park, and 1,702 trees will be cut in the process.

The dry port, with an estimated cost of around Rs. 6 billion, will include two warehouse buildings, a customs inspection building, quarantine and immigration facilities, a security building, and other essential infrastructure.