Opinion | Address trade disruption ahead of major festivals
Summary
Trade through Nepal’s northern border routes has been disrupted ahead of Dashain, Tihar and Chhath after floods shut Rasuwagadhi and China closed Tatopani over landslide risks. Import delays, high transport costs and price hikes are adding pressure on traders and consumers as officials push for talks with Beijing and repairs to the Araniko Highway.
Key Points
- Rasuwagadhi trade has stopped after last month’s Bhotekoshi floods, while China has closed the Tatopani border indefinitely over landslide risks on the Nepali side.
- Traders are facing higher transport costs and delays through Korala, which is worsening festive price pressures for consumers.
- The government is urged to hold diplomatic talks with China and urgently improve the Araniko Highway to keep imports moving before Dashain.
- The article calls for long-term disaster-resilient trade routes to reduce repeated border disruptions between Nepal and China.
