KATHMANDU, Jan 1 : The Rasuwagadhi international border point in northern Nepal has come back into full operation from today, restoring a key trade corridor with China.
The border crossing had remained completely shut since July 8 after flash floods in the Lhende River swept away the Friendship Bridge.
Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border comes into operation
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According to Rasuwagadhi Chief District Officer Rajesh Panthi, vehicular movement resumed this morning following the construction of a 91-metre-long bailey bridge by the Chinese government. The newly installed bridge has a load-bearing capacity of up to 55 tonnes, enabling the passage of heavy cargo vehicles.
With the reopening of the Kerung border point, eight Nepali cargo containers carrying Chinese goods have already crossed the Friendship Bridge and entered Kerung, said Inspector Bikram Kunwar of the Timure Border Police Post. Several more vehicles are on standby to make the crossing.
The prolonged disruption has taken a heavy toll on government revenue. Chief Customs Officer Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai said that customs revenue from imports has declined by more than Rs 22 billion so far in the current fiscal year compared to last year.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over road safety along the Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi stretch. Sukku Tamang, a driver from Rasuwagadhi Yarsa, said the dilapidated condition of the road continues to hamper the movement of freight vehicles. He urged concerned authorities to prioritise repairs and strengthen safety measures to minimise accidents and protect lives and property.
The July floods had damaged roads at dozens of locations. Repair work by the Galchhi–Rasuwagadhi Road Improvement Project reopened the track by making temporary fixes. The failure to adequately reinforce retaining walls has increased risks for vehicle operation, prompting drivers to renew calls for lasting solutions.
