Kathmandu, November 24
Nepali importers are facing mounting difficulties as the Kerung border has remained closed for the past five months. The border was shut after flooding in the Lamde Khola on July 8 washed away a bridge over the Miteri Khola in Rasuwa.
With the closure, goods particularly clothing and festival-related items have been stuck at the border for months. According to Saroj Kumar Shrestha, former president of the National Trade Association, around 200 containers of imports meant for Dashain and Tihar remain stranded at Kerung.
The Tatopani border point in Sindhupalchok is operating only intermittently. Although it resumed movement after Tihar, the flow of goods remains lower than expected. Importers say that the unreliable operation of Tatopani has forced some traders to reroute shipments through the Korola border in Mustang, significantly increasing transportation costs.
Entry of vehicles at Korola is strictly regulated, with only four to five trucks receiving passes daily. The border has again been affected by extreme cold, further delaying imports and increasing fuel expenses for transporters.
Tatopani Customs Chief Rajendra Prasad Chudal said the volume of goods entering through Tatopani has decreased despite the Kerung shutdown. Currently, nearly 80 percent of imports through Tatopani are fruits. Discussions are underway with Chinese officials to ease the flow of goods.
Customs officials say 30 to 35 containers are entering Nepal daily through Tatopani, while Korola remains largely inactive due to severe cold.
