Ekraj Bhatta, an NGO worker in Darchula, was compelled to travel through the Nepali side to Kathmandu recently after the Indian highway was blocked by taxi drivers. “I prefer the Indian highways to Nepali roads as public transport is more accessible on the Indian highways,” said Bhatta. [break]
According to Bhoj Raj Joshi, a local, “People continue to use Indian highways as they depend on India for almost everything, including daily necessities.”
Bichitra Bahadur Shah, inspector at District Police Office, Darchula said, “People prefer the Indian highways as there are only two passenger buses to take passengers from Khalanga to Dhangadi and Kanchanpur. But plenty of passenger buses can be found on the Indian highways.”
“Moreover, the nearest markets are in India, while those inside the country are at a distance of 72 kilometers. So, it is natural for the locals to use the Indian highways,” said Rajendra Prasad Badu, a local resident.
DoR constructs over 36,000 kilometers of roads across Nepal so...
