The Future of Himalayan Mobilities

Abstract

The 10 year People’s War in Nepal (1986–2006) had a profound impact on infrastructure. Acts of sabotage which destroyed existing roads and bridges as well as withdrawal of foreign investment curtailed most construction projects. With formation of a new government in the wake of the war reconstruction and new development is on the rise-one of the key focuses is on connecting all 75-district headquarters by road. A renewed push for better north-south connectivity is integrated in a plan for regional trade between India, Nepal, and China. The precarious geo-political underpinnings of Nepal’s geographical position between India and China makes road building a very complex multi-scalar proposition. The complexity of this challenge speaks to the importance of generating interdisciplinary research and development planning-which will necessitate cooperation and collaboration. The so-called Trans Himalayan Highway (a.k.a. Rasuwagadhi-Galchi-Raxaul Highway) is the shortest overland route from Tibet to India. As such it features prominently in many sub regional, regional and potentially international trade and commerce proposals for connecting China, India, South Asia and Europe. The Chinese financed Rasuwagadhi-Syaphrubesi section of this highway has been under intense scrutiny—it is being groomed to become the main access point for China-Nepal-India overland trade. Officially opened in December 2014 the Rasuwagadhi border has undergone huge changes recently.