KATHMANDU: The pressure on cargo traffic from Kerung has been increasing significantly, with border security personnel reporting that over two dozen cargo containers are entering Nepal daily via this route.
Goods being imported include apples, garlic, ginger, yams, walnuts, slippers, ready-made garments, electrical items, and equipment for ongoing hydropower projects in Nepal.
The Rasuwa Customs Office in Timure stated that over 200 containers are currently in the customs clearance process.
According to Chief Customs Officer Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai, electric vehicles (EVs) are among the most imported items through the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint.
Between July to November, approximately 3,000 vehicles of various sizes entered Nepal through this checkpoint. Bhattarai said vehicle imports remain the primary source of revenue for the customs office.
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2024/25, goods worth approximately Rs 124 billion were imported, generating revenue of over Rs 12 billion.
Exports through the Rasuwagadhi border, however, remains limited, consisting mainly of woolen carpets, buckram cloth, ready-made garments, noodles, herbs, incense sticks, and wooden products. In contrast, imports include footwear, garments, and electrical materials.
To prevent revenue leakage and ensure border security, the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police maintain 24-hour surveillance of the Miteri Bridge area.
Despite the growing trade activity, drivers have raised concerns over the poor condition of the road at the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, which has been operational since 2015. The lack of road maintenance is making it difficult for cargo transport.
Jang Bahadur Tamang, a truck driver, suggested that leveling and compacting low-lying sections of the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road during the rainy season would ease vehicle movement in winter.
Locals have also pointed out the low presence of road officials in the area and urged immediate attention to infrastructure improvements.
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