TAPLEJUNG: The Tiptala border checkpoint in Taplejung has resumed operation following the deployment of customs personnel.
According to Cheten Lama, the customs office in Olangchung Gola had previously been operating with the help of local office assistants.
However, the office was completely shut down after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ward Chairperson Lama said the checkpoint has now come back into regular operation after Pradip Dhital was assigned as the chief customs officer on Thursday.
“Olangchung Gola is the shortest trade route in eastern Nepal connecting to Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The Tiptala border point can be reached after travelling around 24 kilometres from Olangchung Gola,” Lama said.
Local representatives said the main customs office building, constructed around 40 years ago, is currently in a deteriorated condition.
Lama said requests have been made to the Ministry of Finance Nepal and the Department of Customs Nepal to allocate budget in the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 for construction of a new customs office building and management of necessary logistics.
Local campaigners had repeatedly urged the Department of Customs to send staff to the border office.
With Olangchung Gola now connected to the road network, locals are optimistic that regular customs operations will help increase revenue collection in the area.
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