Construction of the dry port in Dodhara Chandani of Kanchanpur, across the Mahakali river, is progressing rapidly, with officials saying the project could be completed within the next two years if work continues without disruption.

The port is expected to boost trade and contribute to economic growth in Sudurpaschim Province. Heavy construction activity is underway at the site in the Maya Puri Community Forest area of Dodhara Chandani Municipality-1, where boundary fencing and structural works are progressing simultaneously.

“Earth filling and structural construction are ongoing together,” said Arun Srivastava, project manager of the Indian construction company COMT Construction Pvt Ltd, which has been awarded the contract. “We began work in December 2025 and are moving forward as per the target.”

He said construction materials, including cement and iron rods, are being imported through the Gauriphanta checkpoint in Dhangadhi under customs exemption.

The project, being built with assistance from the Government of India, has been awarded to COMT Construction at a cost of IRs2.4 billion with a completion target of 30 months. The board handed over the site to the company in July 2025.

Since then, clearing and levelling works have been carried out at the site. Srivastava said fencing and structural works are being carried out simultaneously to avoid delays during the monsoon season.

“The dry port construction is moving at a fast pace,” said Anish KC, an engineer at the board. “Boundary walls, residential areas and other infrastructure works are ongoing.”

He added that the construction of a bridge over the Malariya Nala is also underway. Physical progress of the project has reached over 10 percent.

Project monitoring is being carried out by India’s RITES Limited, while the board is facilitating implementation.

For the project, 42.36 hectares of land belonging to the Gaurishankar Community Forest in Dodhara Chandani Municipality-1 have been cleared. A total of 1,702 trees were cut down for the project, and construction is currently taking place on 25.3 hectares.

A four-lane bridge over the Mahakali river and an eight-kilometre six-lane access road from Gaddachauki to Malariya Nala have already been completed.

On the Indian side, construction of an integrated check post has also begun around 200 metres from the Nepali side. A connecting approach road from the Jogbudha river area in Champawat district, including a flyover, is also under rapid construction.

Meanwhile, experts said preparations should focus not only on imports but also on increasing exports.

“Imports should not exceed exports, and preparations must be made accordingly. For this, industries need to be established in Sudurpaschim,” said Ashish Gajurel, former executive director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board and a member of the House of Representatives. “There is significant potential for herbal and food-based industries in Sudurpaschim, and production can be increased for export.”

However, he said little preparation has been made so far in that direction.

Gajurel said all three tiers of government—federal, provincial and local—must take initiatives ranging from large-scale industrial development to attracting investment.

Lakshman Bahadur Basnet, former executive director of the board, said the dry port in Dodhara Chandani was designed with the aim of prioritising exports over imports.

Basnet, who led the feasibility study for the dry port, said several prime ministers, ministers and even the Indian ambassador to Nepal had visited and inspected the proposed site during different phases of planning.

“This dry port has the potential for large-scale import and export operations. The prospects are strong,” Basnet said. “At present, imports and exports from Sudurpaschim are being routed through Birgunj and Bhairahawa. Once operational, Dodhara Chandani will reduce costs.”

He said Nepali goods exported to Europe are currently routed via Kolkata port, but using Dodhara Chandani could lower transportation costs.

Basnet said the dry port would have access to Jawaharlal Nehru Port in New Delhi, Mundra Port in Gujarat, Mumbai Port and Dhamra Port in Odisha.

Except for Jawaharlal Nehru Port, all these ports are located around 1,400 to 1,500 kilometres from Dodhara Chandani.

“This dry port is not only important for import and export between Nepal and India, but it is also the shortest and most cost-effective route for trade within India,” Basnet said. “Goods produced in India can be transported through Dodhara Chandani via Nepal to northeastern Indian states such as Assam, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh at lower cost and in less time.”

He added that deeper ports can accommodate larger vessels and help reduce transport costs, making ports such as Mundra and Mumbai more efficient for exports to Europe.

Basnet said the Dodhara Chandani dry port could also become strategically important if connected to Kerala’s trade routes, potentially playing a role in India-China trade connectivity.