On 1 November 2026, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the Chharchum bridge and other Nepal border projects. He spoke at the Gorkha Dashain-Deepawali Mahotsav and Rajkiya Mela-2026 in Dehradun. Veer Gorkha Kalyan Samiti organised the event at Garhi Cantt. According to DIPR Uttarakhand, the CM called border connectivity and trade a special priority.
What the Chief Minister Announced
First, Dhami said the Chharchum bridge in Pithoragarh will ease cross-border movement and trade. Moreover, an Integrated Check Post (ICP) is under construction at Banbasa at about ₹368.28 crore. The state is also working to develop a dry port in the border area. In addition, he called the proposed Pancheshwar project on the Mahakali vital for power and irrigation. Finally, he said India–Nepal ties rest on centuries-old “roti-beti” bonds.
Inside the Dharchula–Darchula Motor Bridge
The bridge is a 110-metre, double-lane motor bridge over the Kali (Mahakali) river at Malla Chharchum. It links Dharchula in India with Darchula in Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province. Also, India funded it at about ₹33 crore through the Uttarakhand PWD. On 19 September 2022, Dhami laid the foundation stone at Dharchula. Meanwhile, Nepal’s minister Dilendra Prasad Badu did so at Darchula. Later, in December 2025, Nepal’s Ambassador Shankar Prasad Sharma inspected the nearly complete bridge.
Banbasa ICP and NH-9 Four-Lane
Banbasa in Champawat district already hosts the first motor bridge on Uttarakhand’s Nepal border. Now, the Land Ports Authority of India is developing a land port there. Also, under Bharatmala, NH-9 is getting four-lane connectivity from the Sitarganj–Tanakpur road to the Banbasa border. This stretch costs about ₹246.86 crore.
About the India–Nepal Border in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand borders Nepal through Pithoragarh, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Moreover, the Kali (Mahakali) river forms much of this boundary. Notably, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) guards this open border. Before the Dharchula bridge, vehicles from Pithoragarh had to detour via Banbasa, a route about 200 km longer.
Chharchum Bridge: Key Facts for Revision
- Location: Malla Chharchum, Dharchula, Pithoragarh
- River: Kali (Mahakali)
- Length: 110 metres, double-lane motor bridge
- Foundation stone: 19 September 2022
- Banbasa ICP cost: About ₹368.28 crore
- NH-9 four-lane (Bharatmala): About ₹246.86 crore
Why the Chharchum Bridge Matters for UKPSC
Notably, these projects add trade and connectivity to border security. So, remember the Dharchula motor bridge, the Banbasa ICP and the NH-9 four-lane link. Also, link them with the Pancheshwar project on the Mahakali. For official updates, also visit DIPR Uttarakhand. Next, for a related story, read about the modern land port at Banbasa. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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