The road, which is the shortest route to connect Tehrathum, Panchthar and Taplejung districts with Tarai, is expected to reduce the travel time to one-third and promote economic activities in the region.

According to Project Engineer Amrit Mani Rimal, around Rs 40 million has already been spent in constructing the 30 kilometre section connecting Mulghat in Dhankuta to Panchthar via Lumughat. He said the project is aimed at connecting the road from Mulghat to Majhitar bridge (along the Mid-Hill highway) over the Tamor river. The corridor falls under the north-south highway project initiated with an intention to connect the hill districts with Tarai.

Rimal, meanwhile, said that a proper survey for the proposed corridor is yet to be carried out. Purna Kumar Sharma, former local development minister, said a survey was conducted for the construction of the corridor from Majhitar to Kabeli via Tamorgadh and that a copy of the detailed report could be found at the District Development Committee and Ministry of Local Development. The route was changed to its present form after the project was handed over to the Department of Roads, he said.

Presently, it takes 10 hours for people travelling to Dharan via Mechi Highway. However, after the completion of the corridor project, locals can make the journey in less than three hours.

Buddhi Prasad Neupane, chief of north-south highway project, said work on the route should be expedited.