KATHMANDU: The construction of the Miteri (Friendship) Bridge connecting Nepal and China at Rasuwagadhi is expected to be completed within a month, according to Chinese officials.
The bridge, which was swept away by a flood in the Lhende Khola in June, has halted cross-border movement between the two countries. Chinese authorities have since prioritized its reconstruction despite challenging weather conditions.
Rasuwa Chief District Officer Rajesh Panthi said the bridge is expected to be completed within a month following discussions with Chinese officials, after which both sides will meet again to finalize the date for its reopening.
Panthi added that, unless unforeseen circumstances arise, transport across the bridge is likely to resume within a month.
According to Rasuwa Customs Office Chief Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai, the closure of the Rasuwagadhi border point has cost Nepal around Rs 14–15 billion in customs revenue, as imports and exports through the checkpoint remain completely suspended. During the same period last fiscal year, Rs 14 billion in customs revenue had been collected.
Meanwhile, repair and reconstruction work continues along the 16-km Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road section, but progress has been slower than expected due to landslides and river erosion. The Road Department said repeated landslides near Timure, Tatopani, and other vulnerable areas have delayed maintenance work.
The District Administration Office, Rasuwa, stated that the Disaster Management Committee has directed authorities to expedite road and bridge reconstruction works with a focus on quality and safety.
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