Nepal-China trade has increasingly shifted to the Korala checkpoint in Mustang following the closure of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border crossing after the devastating Bhotekoshi flood on August 26.
Before the disaster, an average of eight to 10 containers passed through the Korala border daily. However, the number of containers using the route has increased significantly following the disruption of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung crossing.
According to the Armed Police Force’s 33 Company Headquarters in Jomsom, 252 empty containers travelled toward Korala via the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road between August 26 and September 3.
Similarly, cargo trucks arriving from China have received customs clearance from the Mustang Customs Office and proceeded toward their respective destinations, according to APF Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Koirala.
Officials said containers that were originally scheduled to enter Nepal through the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border are being diverted to Korala due to the extensive damage and disruption along the Rasuwa trade corridor.
However, Mustang Customs Office Chief Bidur Chudal said that cargo specifically diverted from the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung crossing to Korala had not yet arrived at the customs point.
The increasing use of the Korala checkpoint highlights its growing importance as an alternative trade route between Nepal and China while infrastructure along the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung corridor remains disrupted.
