KATHMANDU: A total of 641 electric vehicles entered Nepal through the Korala border point in Mustang in just 15 days after the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung and Tatopani border points were closed.
According to the Mustang Customs Office, 641 EVs and 434 containers were cleared through Korala between August 26 and 31. The increase in imports comes as Chinese vehicle importers are using Korala as an alternative route to ensure timely deliveries to customers who booked vehicles at the NAIMA Mobility Expo and NADA Auto Show.
Customs Office Chief Bidur Chudal said EVs and containers are still arriving in large numbers. On Friday alone, 106 EVs and 71 containers were cleared and sent towards their destinations. Additional staff have also been deployed to speed up the customs clearance process.
Chinese vehicle importers are mainly using the Korala route, while companies importing vehicles from India, Thailand and other countries have not been significantly affected by the closure of the northern border points.
EV brands including BYD, Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Nammi, Arcfox, Leapmotor, MG, ORA, Haval and Skywell are currently being imported through Korala.
The customs office collected Rs 1.784 billion in revenue during the 15-day period. Since Sepetmber 6, daily revenue collection has averaged around Rs 300 million.
From the beginning of the current fiscal year, until September 10, the customs office has collected Rs 2.314 billion in revenue from vehicles and other goods cleared through the Korala border.
The government brought the Korala customs point into regular operation on September 16, 2025, after floods and landslides disrupted both Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi last year. Around 3,000 EVs were imported through Korala last year, generating Rs 6.92 billion in customs revenue.
