Tatopani Trade Route to China Shut for Six Days, Stranding Millions in Goods

Incessant rainfall has paralyzed operations at the Tatopani border crossing, a vital trade artery connecting Nepal and China, for the past six days. Severe landslides and road subsidence have resulted in approximately 150 cargo containers being stranded on the Chinese side, while numerous freight trucks face similar delays on the Nepali side. The disruption has left traders exasperated, particularly given the route's history of instability following the devastating 2015 earthquakes.

Traders have voiced strong grievances against the government, lamenting that the Tatopani crossing, once a symbol of robust trade, has devolved into an unreliable passage. The Kodari road section experienced disruptions on July 13 due to a major landslide at Liping and significant road subsidence near Eco and Daklang. Despite efforts by authorities, restoring traffic has proven difficult as the ground continues to sink daily at Eco.

Rajesh Bhandari, an executive member of the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association, highlighted the severity of the situation. He reported that over 150 containers carrying perishable goods like apples, oranges, and ginger, along with industrial machinery and readymade garments, are stuck. Additionally, more than 45 trucks laden with valuable goods are stranded further inland in China. Bhandari questioned when the government would address their plight.

The Tatopani point, which had enjoyed uninterrupted operations until July 11 due to a delayed monsoon, faced its first major seasonal shutdown this year. Following two days of heavy downpour, a massive mudslide engulfed Liping, and the road bed at Eco collapsed into the Bhote Koshi river. A previously stabilized landslide at Daklang has also reactivated. While road crews managed to clear debris and establish temporary one-way traffic, continuous rainfall at Eco has severely hampered repair efforts, with emergency work ongoing.

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Over 150 containers carrying perishable items such as apples, oranges, and ginger, as well as readymade garments and industrial machinery, are stranded across the landslide zone. Furthermore, more than 45 trucks loaded with goods worth millions of rupees are stuck further inland at Nyalam and adjacent regions in China. When will the government finally open its eyes to our plight?