Chinese cargo and containers that previously entered Nepal through the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border point are increasingly being diverted to the Korala border in Mustang after devastating floods completely destroyed infrastructure at the Rasuwa crossing.
The Armed Police Force checkpost in Jomsom recorded 66 cargo containers by Sunday evening, with officials reporting a steady increase in the number of vehicles heading toward Korala since the Rasuwagadhi border was shut.
Transport operators said cargo originally destined to enter Nepal through Rasuwagadhi is now being rerouted through Korala, making the northern border point an increasingly important alternative route for Nepal-China trade.
The growing diversion is putting additional pressure on the Korala border, which has increasingly been used to facilitate cross-border trade when other northern entry points face disruptions.
The Mustang Customs Office collected Rs 6.92 billion in revenue in FY 2025/26 after the Korala border was brought into operation as an alternative trade route. Revenue collection has continued in the current fiscal year, with the customs office collecting Rs 290 million in Shrawan, the first month of FY 2026/27.
However, the customs office is facing manpower constraints. According to Chief Bidur Chudal, the office has an approved staff strength of 18, but only 12 employees are currently working there.
The diversion of cargo follows extensive damage to infrastructure along the Rasuwagadhi corridor, disrupting one of Nepal’s major trade routes with China. While the shift to Korala could provide temporary relief to importers, a prolonged increase in cargo traffic could put significant pressure on its customs facilities, roads and transport infrastructure.
Authorities may therefore need to strengthen customs processing capacity and improve transport infrastructure at Korala if the Rasuwagadhi route remains closed for an extended period.
