Tatopani Cargo Halts as Nepal-China Trade Faces New Squeeze
China has shut down cargo operations at the Tatopani customs point in Sindhupalchok from Bhadau 14. This comes right after floods knocked out the Rasuwagadhi border customs, leaving traders with fewer options just weeks before Dashain.
Tatopani customs chief Dipendra Prakash Giri says tourist vehicles can still cross the border, but cargo trucks and containers cannot. Chinese authorities say they're relocating their customs office near the Miteri bridge for maintenance work, and that's why the shutdown happened.
The last cargo to cross was 8 containers on Bhadau 12. Nothing has come through since. Passenger traffic keeps moving normally at Mustang's Korala border, but goods vehicles aren't getting cleared there either, according to chief Vidur Chudal.
Trucks Piling Up at Kerung
Rasuwagadhi customs remains destroyed by the floods. Around 176 cargo trucks are now stuck at Kerung on the Chinese side. Of these, 20–25 are already loaded with fruit, clothing, footwear, cosmetics and other goods meant for the Dashain, Tihar and winter season.
Traders have asked the government to work with Chinese authorities so perishable goods can be rerouted quickly, ideally through Tatopani. Customs officials, meanwhile, have suggested sending shipments via Korala once China grants clearance there. For now, both routes remain partly blocked, and goods meant for the festive season are stuck in between.
How this developed
3 updatesChina Advances Repairs on Kerung Border Road
China is making significant progress in reopening the road to the Kerung border point after floods damaged the Tibet region's highway. More than one kilometer of the damaged China National Highway G216 near Gyirong has been reconstructed, with less than one kilometer left to restore. 158 workers and 28 pieces of equipment are involved in the effort. The floods have resulted in 16 deaths and 546 missing in the Kerung area. The immediate goal is to restore the road to the Kerung border point, crucial for Nepal-China trade.
Korala Border Sees Increased Cargo Traffic Amid Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani Disruptions
With the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani customs points affected by floods, 108 cargo containers have been redirected to the Korala border as an alternative route. Prem Prasad Tulachan, a former federal MP, has highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development at Korala to handle the increased traffic. Currently, 10 to 12 containers are being cleared daily at this border, indicating its rising importance in maintaining trade flow between Nepal and China.
Korala Border Emerges as Key Route Amid Tatopani Closure
China has temporarily closed the Tatopani border until further notice, affecting trade routes. Tatopani Customs collected only Rs 90 million in Shrawan against a target of Rs 2 billion. With Rasuwagadhi also out, Korala in Mustang has become the main trade route, with 66 cargo containers recorded heading there by Sunday evening. However, Mustang Customs is under pressure, operating with 12 employees against a sanctioned strength of 18. Previously, around 3,000 EVs were imported through Korala in the last fiscal year.
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