Weeks of landslides leave Tatopani border closed, trade in limbo

Tatopani, a crucial trade gateway between Nepal and China, remains inaccessible for three weeks as relentless landslides obstruct the Arniko Highway. This prolonged closure has brought cross-border commerce to a complete halt, leaving the future reopening uncertain.

Trade, customs revenue, and import-export activities have ceased due to road collapses and ongoing landslides. Rajesh Bhandari, an executive committee member of the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association, noted that sections of the highway have been blocked for up to 23 days. The latest landslide on Monday night has further dashed hopes for an early resumption of traffic.

Local traders express frustration, feeling abandoned by the federal government. The situation is compounded by damage to the Rasuwagadhi border point, Nepal's other main trade route with China. Goods are stuck in warehouses in China's Tibet Autonomous Region, and imports for Nepal are piling up.

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An international highway has remained closed for weeks while the Road Division waits for a Chinese company to begin work. People living along the border feel as though the federal government has abandoned them.

Despite multiple landslides along the Bahrabise-Tatopani section, minimal repair work has been undertaken. The Sindhupalchok Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nepal Trans-Himalayan Border Commerce Association jointly accused authorities of neglect, suggesting the government prioritizes revenue collection over essential infrastructure investment.

Compounding the issue, a contract for highway repairs was terminated in May after the Chinese government offered to undertake the reconstruction. The Nepali government compensated the original contractor, a decision local officials believe exacerbated the current crisis. The road's poor condition now impedes even local travel.

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Had the contractor been allowed to continue, we would not be facing this situation today.