Humla, Jul 6: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the Karnali Corridor will be developed into a key trade route connecting Nepal with both China and India. He emphasized that the route holds importance not just for the people of Karnali and Humla, but also for regional trade with neighboring countries.

While inaugurating the newly built belly bridge at Chuwakhola in Kharpunath Rural Municipality-5, PM Oli announced that a permanent concrete bridge will soon be constructed at the same location under the Karnali Corridor project. He expressed satisfaction that the district headquarters, Simkot, has now been formally connected to Nepal’s national road network.

Highlighting the significance of the bridge, he stated that its construction marks a major step in linking Humla with the broader road network and tri-country border access. Despite the tough terrain, Oli said the road will continue to be upgraded to boost regional development.

He also pledged to build a quarantine facility at the Hilsa border crossing with China, citing the area’s strong trade potential. Oli stressed that establishing proper quarantine infrastructure is essential to expand trade with neighboring countries.

The Nepal Army began installing the belly bridge on March 30 last year. The project now connects the northern and southern road networks across Karnali.

PM Oli reached Kharpunath via Surkhet from Kathmandu for the inauguration ceremony, where he was welcomed warmly by local residents with traditional music.

Accompanying the Prime Minister were Defense Minister Manbir Rai, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Devendra Dahal, UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali, Karnali Chief Minister Yagya Raj Joshi, Chief of Army Staff Yamlal Kan. Sigdel, Infrastructure Ministry Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma, and other officials.

After 26 years of effort, the Karnali Corridor has finally connected Humla’s Simkot to the national road system.