KATHMANDU: Snowfall and extreme cold have disrupted vehicle transportation through the Korala border point in Mustang, Nepal’s only currently operational trade route with China.
Vehicle imports had already been affected by floods and landslides that damaged roads a few days ago. Now, fresh snowfall and freezing temperatures have created further problems for vehicle transportation.
With the Rasuwagadhi border point affected by the Bhotekoshi flood and China reluctant to use the Tatopani route, Korala has become the only active trade route between Nepal and China. However, the route is now facing difficulties due to heavy snowfall.
Floods in the Kaligandaki River on August 26 damaged several sections of the Beni-Korala road, disrupting imports. The road was repaired and reopened towards the end of October. However, snowfall in the second week of November again disrupted traffic along the route.
Around 1,200 electric vehicles are currently stranded at the border point.
According to local residents, heavy snow has accumulated along the road up to Nhechung, around 14 kilometers from the Korala border. The rural municipality has deployed equipment, including a bulldozer provided by China, to clear the snow. However, extremely low temperatures continue to cause water to freeze on the road.
“We were supposed to go and collect the vehicles, but we have received information that transportation has been disrupted due to snowfall. We can proceed only after the snow is cleared,” said Anup Khatri, a driver involved in transporting new vehicles, speaking to MeroAuto.
Around 3,600 vehicles imported for the Dashain festival had reached Pokhara after the road was repaired. However, a significant number of vehicles are still awaiting customs clearance. These vehicles will be transported only after the snow is cleared and road movement resumes.
