KATHMANDU: Only few days remain for Dashain, with Ghatasthapana scheduled for October 11. However, vehicle importers are facing uncertainty over supplies as all major border points used to import vehicles from China remain closed or disrupted.
The Rasuwagadhi border has been closed since August 26 after floods in the Bhotekoshi damaged the road and customs infrastructure. The Tatopani border has also remained closed since August 30 after China closed the crossing from its side.
Korala, which had emerged as an alternative to Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi, has also been disrupted. Floods and landslides caused by continuous rainfall for four days from September 24 have affected the route.
The simultaneous closure of customs points and roads has created problems mainly for businesses importing vehicles from China. With only 10 days remaining before Dashain, importers are still unable to confirm how many vehicles they can bring to Kathmandu before the festival.
“Customers who have booked cars are calling us and asking when their vehicles will arrive. We do not have an answer for them,” an auto importer told MeroAuto.
Companies that secured a good number of bookings after the two major auto shows are also concerned about whether they will be able to deliver vehicles during Dashain. The situation could favor companies that have vehicles in stock or can arrange supplies, while those unable to receive new vehicles may lose sales.
Around 40 percent of annual car sales take place during the festive season. This means importers that cannot ensure supply could lose a significant portion of their Dashain sales.
As a result, importers are closely watching when the road from Korala towards Pokhara will reopen and vehicle movement can resume.
Consumers are also facing uncertainty. Many customers who booked vehicles expecting delivery before Dashain are now unsure whether they will receive them on time.
One customer, Manoj Narayan, who contacted the MeroAuto office, said he had booked a vehicle during the NAIMA Mobility Expo after being assured of Dashain delivery. “Now they say the road is closed. Will I get the vehicle during Dashain?” he asked.
This is not an isolated case. Customers at showrooms are raising similar concerns. Some have already completed their bookings and obtained bank delivery orders (DO), but are still unsure whether the companies will be able to bring their vehicles into the country.
Buyers without auto show bookings face greater delays
The situation is likely to be more difficult for customers who did not book vehicles at the NAIMA Mobility Expo or NADA Auto Show.
Those planning to buy a car during Dashain and already prepared with the required funds may still not be able to get their preferred model immediately. Popular models are already booked for deliveries extending until after Tihar.
Therefore, having the money ready may not be enough to purchase a preferred car directly from a showroom during the festive season.
Government working to reopen routes
Physical Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has said that efforts are underway to resume operations at the Kodari-Tatopani border within a few days.
The ministry, along with government agencies and other stakeholders, conducted an on-site inspection of the Arniko Highway on Tuesday and has started work to make the road operational. The Tatopani border is expected to resume operations once China opens the crossing. However, there is still no confirmed date for reopening.
The Kaligandaki Corridor leading to Korala has also remained disrupted for about a week. Floods and landslides since September 25 have damaged the road at 46 locations.
The Department of Roads said work is underway to reopen the affected sections. According to the department, the Ghansa-Korala section of the Maldhunga-Beni-Korala road has already resumed two-way operation.
Work to clear landslides, carry out back-cutting and construct retaining walls is nearing completion around Maldhunga-Ghansa and Beni. The department said it plans to complete the remaining work, as far as possible, by Thursday evening.
