Nepal's China Trade Routes Severely Disrupted Ahead of Festivals

Nepal's crucial trade links with China are severely hampered, with none of the three major border points fully operational. This disruption, occurring weeks before key festivals like Teej, Dashain, and Tihar, raises concerns about essential goods supply.

The Tatopani trade route has been closed for nearly two weeks due to landslides on the Araniko Highway, stranding over 40 trucks and numerous containers. The Rasuwagadhi crossing remains affected by flood damage to a bridge last year, and the Korala border is only handling limited cargo.

These border points are vital for Nepal's economy. In the last fiscal year, Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi facilitated imports worth over 93 billion Nepalese rupees, while Korala processed 14.4 billion rupees. The current closures not only disrupt trade and customs revenue but also impact the livelihoods of local communities and traders.

Local associations are urging the government to prioritize highway repairs and landslide control measures. "If the government does not negotiate to open the road, the Tatopani border point could remain closed throughout the monsoon, affecting trade during the festival season," stated Ram Hari Karki, president of the Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association. He called for special budgetary provisions for road maintenance.

Officials, including the Minister for Infrastructure Development, have inspected the affected Tatopani customs point. However, local residents are opposing the reopening of certain road sections due to safety concerns over potential landslides, complicating efforts to restore full operations.

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If the government does not negotiate to open the road, the Tatopani border point could remain closed throughout the monsoon, affecting trade during the festival season. The government should make a special budgetary provision for road maintenance; otherwise, trade will remain halted throughout the monsoon.