DARCHULA, June 4: Locals have demanded that the budget allocated for the under-construction Darchula–Tusarpani–Chhangru–Tinkar road be revised and increased. The road is being constructed under the management of the Nepali Army.
Citizens of the border area in Sudurpaschim Province have called for amendments to the Budget Statement for Fiscal Year 2026/27, unveiled by the government on May 29, arguing that the allocation for the project in the upcoming fiscal year is insufficient.
For the next fiscal year, Rs 129.9 million has been allocated for the Tusarpani–Chhangru–Tinkar road. During the budget speech, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle stated that the Darchula–Tinkar road has been given “special priority.”
The Nepali Army has said that an annual budget of Rs 300–350 million is required for the construction work. Following the formation of the new government, locals hope the strategically important Tinkar road project will gain momentum.
The Army began construction from Zero Point in Tusarpani to Tinkar in Byas Rural Municipality–3, covering 79 kilometres, in fiscal year 2077/78. So far, about 20 kilometres of track have been opened. Until the third week of May, vehicles could reach only up to Dumling.
Hemendra Bohara, a local of Byas Rural Municipality–1, said that although the budget statement mentions “special priority” for the road, the insufficient allocation may further delay project completion.
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According to him, due to the lack of road access, residents of Chhangru and Tinkar remain dependent on India for transportation, food, and employment. In the Chhangru–Tinkar section, around 59 kilometres of road remain to be constructed.
He added that if the current pace of work and budget allocation continue, there is no assurance that the road will reach Tinkar in the near future. Due to the lack of road access, residents are often required to seek India’s permission to travel within their own country.
Yogesh Singh Bohara of Byas–1 said the government should address the aspirations of the people of Chhangru and Tinkar.
Associate Professor of Darchula Multiple Campus, Padam Badal, said resources should be distributed in a proportional and balanced manner after Nepal adopted a federal system.
The 413-kilometre road from Brahmadev in Kanchanpur to Tinkar in Darchula under the Mahakali Corridor aims to connect up to the Tinkar border point with China. Once completed, it would be the shortest and safest route to Kailash Mansarovar.
The project is also expected to boost the local economy through valuable herbs, Mount Api, and other tourist destinations.
Similarly, Vice-Chairperson of the rural municipality, Binod Singh Kunwar, said that although some budget has been allocated for the Tinkar road this year, it remains inadequate.
The Nepali Army, responsible for the construction of the road, has stated that at least Rs 300–350 million is required annually for rock cutting and helicopter transport of machinery.
Likewise, out of the 334-kilometre Mahakali Corridor road, 247 kilometres of track have been opened and 47 kilometres have been blacktopped, said project engineer Dinesh Raikhola.
The government has allocated Rs 394.2 million for the Mahakali Corridor project in the coming fiscal year.
RSS
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