Hetauda's commercial prominence started with the construction of Tribhuvan Highway, the first highway built in the country. The eradication of malaria from its tropical forest paved the way for a settlement to grow. Its future depends on a second highway link that has been discussed for over a decade. The proposed link to Kathmandu through a series of tunnels will reduce the present length of 133 km via Tribhuwan Highway and 224 km via Mugling to a length of less than 60 km. Considering the need for a shorter route from Kathmandu to India and a transit point to sustain trade between the two fastest growing economies of India and China, the importance of Hetauda as a trade route is set to receive a big leap, if this proposed tunnel comes into existence. Recently, two shorter unpaved roads are being used for light vehicles to carry people. One can go through Fakhel Village to Pharping and proceed to Kathmandu, or in the event of its blockage, vehicles also go from Markhu and Sisneri villages towards Kathmandu. Black topping of Fakhel-Pharping and Madan Bhandari Road way (Sisneri) has completed.
Nearest airport from Hetauda is in Simara which is about 30 minutes drive from the city. Most major airlines provide service to the airport.
