Transport
Koshi Highway (NH08)
The shortest route connecting India and China across the Himalayas — 390 km from Biratnagar to the Chinese border.
Overview
The Koshi Highway (National Highway 08) is a 390-kilometer north-south corridor running through the heart of Koshi Province. It connects Rani in Biratnagar — linked to Jogbani, India — to Kimathanka on the Chinese border, connecting to the Chinese town of Chentang. It is understood to be the shortest highway connecting India to China across the Himalayan mountains in Nepal.
The Route
The highway traverses the full spectrum of Nepal's dramatic geography — from the flat Terai plains around Biratnagar, through the middle hills, and up into the high Himalayan terrain near the Chinese border. It passes through districts including Morang, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha, and terminates at the Kimathanka border crossing.
2025 Breakthrough
On January 27, 2025, the Nepal Army completed the final 14-kilometer stretch between Chyamptang and Ghongghoppa, achieving a historic breakthrough. For the first time, the road from the Indian border at Jogbani to the Chinese border at Chentang was completely connected — though the road is not yet fully operational as bridges remain under construction.
Current Status
- 159 km of track opened
- 80 km graveled
- 10 km blacktopped
- 11 bridges completed
- 140 km of road with regular transport services
The road is passable by light vehicles and pedestrians, but full operational status for heavy traffic awaits the completion of paving and bridge construction across the remaining stretches.
Strategic Importance
The Koshi Highway has the potential to transform eastern Nepal's economy by creating a direct trade corridor between India and China through Biratnagar. This positions Biratnagar as a critical transit hub in the trans-Himalayan trade network — a role the city has played, in various forms, for centuries.