Good news for India-Nepal travellers: New four-lane highway nears completion, to boost jobs, tourism and…, operational by…; check full details here

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Centuries-old ties between India and Nepal are set to become even stronger with the construction of a new four-lane highway linking Banbasa in Uttarakhand to Nepal. Around 75% of the project has been completed and the highway is expected to open for traffic in April 2027. It will be Nepal’s first four-lane motor route connected to India through Uttarakhand.

75% work completed

The 3.65-km four-lane highway is being built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) from the Jagbuda Bridge in Banbasa to the India-Nepal border. According to project officials, construction is progressing on schedule and the road is expected to become fully operational by April 2027, making cross-border travel faster and smoother.

Route and modern infrastructure

The highway will pass over the Sharda River bridge and directly connect to Nepal’s upcoming Dry Port at Dodhara Chandani. Built under the Bharatmala Project, the corridor includes a major bridge, a minor bridge, a railway overbridge (ROB), a flyover, six culverts, an underpass, a viaduct, and a 1,870-metre elevated section designed to protect nearby villages from flooding.

Trade and employment to receive a push

The project is expected to significantly improve trade between India and Nepal by providing seamless access to the new dry port. It is also expected to generate employment opportunities, encourage tourism, and boost commercial activities in border areas, benefiting people on both sides of the border.

Wildlife protection included

Officials say environmental protection has been incorporated into the project design as the route passes through an elephant corridor. To ensure safe wildlife movement, a 750-metre wildlife corridor is being constructed. Work on a 55-metre girder bridge over the Sharda Canal is also underway.

Integrated border check post planned

An Integrated Check Post (ICP) will be developed along the international border to facilitate security, immigration and trade. The complex will house agencies including the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Bureau of Immigration, Customs Department, Land Ports Authority of India and the Uttarakhand Police, making cross-border movement more efficient and secure.