Surkhet, Mar. 6: Construction of an urban corridor connecting Nepalgunj to Surkhet via Kohalpur is proposed.  With the rise of unorganised settlements, the need for urban corridors has become evident for easy access between neighbouring cities.

Recently, an integrated development strategy has been drafted for the corridor. Ongoing discussions with stakeholders are essential to give impetus to this project. The focus is on long-term planning and strategy formulation for the development of the urban corridor in Birendranagar of Surkhet.

Padma Kumar Mainali, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development, announced plans to develop an urban corridor connecting three cities. Specifically, an urban corridor spanning Nepalgunj-Kohalpur-Surkhet is set to be constructed, he added.

Mainali shared that the concept of the urban corridor has been proposed due to the anticipation of significant challenges in orderly infrastructure development in the future, given the ongoing development of settlements in the neighbourhood. 

The ministry is presently conducting a pre-feasibility study for this purpose. Efforts are underway to examine how small towns located within an hour’s distance can be linked with income generation, he added.

Economic, social, and cultural aspects have been thoroughly studied. Upon the completion of the pre-feasibility study within this fiscal year, a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared next year. 

Previously, the ministry had undertaken work on four urban corridors. However, Nepalgunj-Kohalpur-Surkhet is set to be examined in detail as the fifth corridor. 

Currently, the initial phase of corridor construction has commenced.

Once the study report clarifies details such as the type and amount of investment required, the Ministry intends to outline the investment plan for the corridor and estimate the timeline for achieving results.

This programme falls under the authority of the Federal government, with support pledged by the provincial government as well. 

Karnali Chief Minister Rajkumar Sharma has affirmed that the province government is fully committed to supporting the federal government in the construction of the corridor.

Speaking at the inauguration programme of a regional conference focused on long-term 

thinking and strategic planning for urban corridor development, Sharma said the significance of the campaign initiated by the Ministry of Urban Development noted that the state government is fully committed to its success.

Stressing the importance of advancing the urban corridor, Sharma emphasized that orderly city development is crucial. 

The discussions held in Birendranagar have produced a vital blueprint for the construction of the corridor. Stakeholders deliberated on how to advance the urban corridor as a new model, underscoring the collaborative effort required for its successful implementation.