KATHMANDU: Cargo containers carrying goods from China have started being diverted to the Korala border point after the Rasuwagadhi border crossing was closed.
The devastating floods on August 26 destroyed the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung customs office, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. The damage has disrupted the movement of goods through the key Nepal-China trade route.
The government has facilitated customs clearance for goods originally being imported through Rasuwagadhi to be processed through the Korala border point. A help desk has also been established at the Mustang Customs Office to facilitate the process.
Businesses have started diverting goods through Korala to ensure supplies for the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals.
The Armed Police Force check post in Jomsom said the number of cargo containers heading towards Korala has increased after the complete closure of Rasuwagadhi. The check post recorded 66 cargo containers heading towards the Korala border point by Sunday evening.
The rise in cargo traffic has increased pressure on the Mustang Customs Office. The office currently has 12 employees, against a sanctioned strength of 18, according to chief Bidur Chudal.
The Mustang Customs Office was brought into regular operation after floods and landslides closed both the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border points last year.
The office collected Rs 6.92 billion in revenue in the last fiscal year. Around 3,000 electric vehicles were imported through the Korala route during the period.
The customs office collected Rs 290 million in revenue during the first month of the current fiscal year.
