Lahan, located in Siraha District of Madhesh Province, is one of the most important urban centers in southeastern Nepal. Positioned along the East-West Highway (Mahendra Highway) and close to the Indian border, Lahan is a thriving center for trade, healthcare, education, and cross-border commerce. It is especially known for the presence of the Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, one of Nepal’s premier eye care institutions.

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Quick Facts about Lahan

• Province: Madhesh Province

• District: Siraha

• Municipality Type: Sub-Metropolitan City (upgraded in 2022)

• Population (2021 Census): Approx. 90,000

• Elevation: ~87 meters (285 feet)

• Main Languages: Maithili, Nepali, Hindi, Tharu

• Known For: Eye hospital, cross-border trade, medical tourism, agriculture

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Geographic and Strategic Importance

Lahan is strategically located:

• On the East-West Highway, connecting it to Janakpur, Biratnagar, and Kathmandu

• About 18 km north of the Indian border town Thadi, linked to Laukaha in Bihar, India

• It acts as a transport and logistics node for travelers and goods moving across the Indo-Nepal border

Its flat terrain, accessible roads, and vibrant economy make Lahan one of the fastest-growing towns in eastern Nepal.

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Economy and Livelihood

1. Trade and Commerce

• A major hub for wholesale and retail trade in Madhesh Province

• Active cross-border trade via Thadi customs point with India

• Markets for clothing, electronics, food, and construction materials

2. Healthcare Tourism

• Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital attracts thousands of patients from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh

• Medical services and pharmacies contribute significantly to the local economy

3. Agriculture

• Surrounding villages support rice, wheat, sugarcane, lentil, and vegetable farming

• Lahan serves as a collection and distribution center for regional produce

4. Remittance Economy

• Many families in Lahan rely on income from migrant workers in the Middle East and India

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Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital

• Established in 1983, this hospital has become a regional center of excellence in eye care

• Offers cataract surgery, corneal treatment, pediatric ophthalmology, and low-cost outpatient services

• Run in cooperation with Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology and international NGOs

• Treats over 200,000 patients annually, many of whom are from poor and rural backgrounds

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Infrastructure and Urban Development

• Paved roads, expanding drainage systems, and new housing developments

• Bus terminals, hotels, banks, and marketplaces serve both locals and travelers

• Ongoing urban planning to address waste management, traffic control, and green spaces

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Education and Institutions

• Lahan Technical Institute and other +2 colleges provide vocational and academic training

• Public and private schools cater to students from nearby rural municipalities

• Programs in health, science, agriculture, and business studies are gaining popularity

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Culture and Festivals

Communities:

Lahan is home to a mix of:

• Maithili-speaking Madhesi communities

• Tharu, Muslim, and hill-origin groups

Celebrated Festivals:

• Chhath Puja – performed on local ponds and rivers with mass gatherings

• Ram Navami, Tihar, Eid, Durga Puja, and Jitiya

• Maithili arts, music, and poetry are part of community life, especially during festival seasons

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Transportation and Accessibility

• Road: Direct access via Mahendra Highway

• Border: Thadi customs point facilitates vehicle and pedestrian crossing to Laukaha, India

• Air Travel: Nearest airport is Rajbiraj Airport (~1.5 hours away), with flights to Kathmandu

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Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges:

• Urban congestion and pollution from rapid growth

• Healthcare access for non-eye medical services remains limited

• Seasonal flooding risks during heavy monsoon

Opportunities:

• Expansion of medical tourism and specialized care

• Strengthening of cross-border trade infrastructure and customs efficiency

• Promotion of agro-processing, local crafts, and hospitality sector

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Fun Trivia

• Lahan Eye Hospital is one of the largest eye care centers in South Asia.

• The Thadi–Laukaha border point is an official Indo-Nepal customs post listed in bilateral trade agreements.

• Lahan’s name is believed to have originated from local dialects meaning “forest clearing”, reflecting its past as a small jungle village.

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Final Thoughts

Lahan is a prime example of a rapidly developing border town that balances commerce, healthcare, and cultural diversity. With its strategic location, strong medical infrastructure, and vibrant markets, Lahan is poised to be a model sub-metropolitan city in Nepal’s Madhesh Province. Whether you’re a patient, trader, traveler, or investor, Lahan offers connectivity, care, and community in equal measure.