Revenue increases by Rs 500 million at Rasuwa customs

RASUWA, Sept 2: Compared to last year, the Rasuwa Customs Office's revenue increased by Rs 500 in the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) of the current fiscal year. According to Chief Customs Officer Ram Prasad Pathak, Rs 1.54 billion in revenue was collected in Shrawan, the first month of the fiscal year 2024/25, from import duties.

In the month of Shrawan of the previous fiscal year 2023/24, only Rs 1.03 billion in revenue was collected. According to the customs office, imported items contributing to the revenue collection include shoes, slippers, roll fabrics, electronic goods, thermoses, various models of vehicles and their parts, as well as fruits like apples and walnuts.

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Chinese equipment has been imported through the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint for hydropower projects operating in Nepal. Despite the increase in revenue, attention has not been given to road safety. Since equipment weighing five times more than the road's capacity is being brought in, the risk of landslides on the Pasang Lhamu Highway is increasing, and there is a higher chance of bridges sinking in various places. Therefore, local residents have requested that necessary regulation and maintenance be prioritized.

Similarly, due to the lack of maintenance on the 16 km stretch of the Syabrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road, which significantly contributes to the country's revenue, potholes have made it difficult for freight vehicles to operate, according to drivers. The Bus Operators' Committee has reported that the road sinking at Kalika due to trucks carrying loads exceeding the road's capacity has made it challenging to operate regular passenger buses.

The maintenance and cutting work that began three years ago at Bharkhu Danda has not yet been completed, leading to increased government expenses. The lack of road improvements is causing problems for travelers, especially during the ongoing Mansarovar-Kailash pilgrimage.