641 EVs Routed Through Korala in Two Weeks of Bhotekoshi Flood

Kathmandu: The devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods that disrupted the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border have sharply increased trade through Nepal’s northern Korala border, with 641 electric vehicles (EVs) clearing customs in just 15 days.

According to the Mustang Customs Office (MCO), Lomanthang-4, Nhechung, a total of 434 containers and 641 EVs entered Nepal through the Korala border after the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung trade route was completely shut following the floods that struck the Rasuwa-Nuwakot region on August 26.

On Friday alone, 71 containers and 106 EVs cleared customs and proceeded towards their respective destinations, according to MCO chief Bidur Chudal.

The surge in imports has also significantly boosted customs revenue. The MCO collected Rs 1.78 billion in revenue in the two-week period ending September 11, with a record Rs 271.1 million collected in a single day on Friday. Daily revenue collection during the period averaged around Rs 300 million.

The Korala border has emerged as an alternative trade route following repeated disruptions at Nepal’s other northern crossings. China had agreed to open Korala for commercial operations nearly a year ago, after landslides affected the Tatopani route and the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung crossing was disrupted by floods.

In fiscal year 2025/26, Nepal collected Rs 6.92 billion in customs revenue from the Korala-based bilateral trade route. Imports through the point were valued at Rs 14.41 billion, while exports to China stood at Rs 205 million.

During the same fiscal year, 3,223 EVs and 1,873 containers received customs clearance through the Korala border, highlighting the growing importance of the route in Nepal-China trade.