Road to Prosperity

Humla, one of Nepal's most remote districts, has finally been linked to the national road network. With this, all 77 district headquarters in Nepal are now connected by road, including Simikot, the district headquarters of Humla. The much-anticipated outcome was made possible by the construction of a 170-foot Bailey bridge over the ChuwaKhola in Kharpunath Rural Municipality 5. Built by the Nepali Army, the bridge closes the final gap in the Karnali Corridor, an ambitious project that has been halted owing to geography and funding restrictions. The bridge, which connects Humla to southern commercial routes and also links to the northern border towards China, represents a significant accessibility achievement. The Karnali Corridor, once known as the "Prime Minister International Highway," has fulfilled its promise as a critical link to the national road grid by connecting the Jamunaha-Hilsa 403.52 km route, which begins in Banke and extends all the way to the Chinese border in Humla. The highway passes through Surkhet, Dailekh, Kalikot, and Bajura. Although a permanent steel bridge and a fully financed customs facility have yet to be established, Humla's existing access paves the way for long-term trade, travel, and economic cooperation.