Kodari highway resumes, customs point likely to come into operation soon

Kathmandu / October 3: The Kodari Highway linking Nepal with Tibet, an autonomous region of People’s Republic of China, which remained disrupted since the April 25 earthquake has been reopened after the tremendous efforts of Department of Roads and the local administration.

Light vehicles have already started moving on the highway from Friday, according to Chief District Officer of Sindhupalchowk, Balbhadra Giri. Heavy vehicles are expected to ply on the route from Sunday, he hoped.

With the resumption of the highway, there would be no hurdle for Nepal to import goods from China via the Tatopani customs point. But it is uncertain when customs point comes into full operation.

The customs point between Nepal and China is likely to reopen within a day or two, Commerce and Supply Ministry’s Under-Secretary Shiva Prasad Tripathi said. The resumption of highway linking the country with northern neighbour has brought a little relief to the Nepalis who have been left in lurch due to unofficial blockade imposed by India.

The government has requested the Chinese authorities to reopen the highway soon with the view of bringing goods from China after India imposed undeclared blockade to Nepal expressing its unhappiness to the new constitution. Coinciding the news of resumption of Kodari highway, the government of India also expressed its commitment to result supply of goods and services. RSS