The ‘all-weather’ Rasuwa-Kerung route is no more
Summary
Devastating floods have destroyed the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border crossing, Nepal’s main overland gateway to China, disrupting trade, tourism and supply chains. Traders and customs officials are scrambling to reroute goods through Tatopani and Korala as the road link remains cut off.
Key Points
- Floods on August 26 wiped out the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung crossing, killing 788 people and leaving over 2,500 missing, according to the latest figures.
- The route had become Nepal’s most important land trade artery with China after the 2015 earthquake damaged Tatopani and the Araniko Highway.
- The destruction has disrupted imports of vehicles, garments, electronics and other goods, with traders seeking alternate routes through Tatopani and Korala.
- Officials and traders say the disaster has exposed the vulnerability of Nepal’s northern trade routes and the lack of infrastructure at alternative border points.
