September 24: Rasuwagadhi border has reopened from Wednesday (September 23) after a gap of almost three weeks. China has started sending goods across the border since Wednesday.

Chief of the Rasuwagadhi Customs Office, Punya Bikram Khadka, informed that China will be sending five goods-laden containers across the border per day starting from Thursday (September 24).

On Wednesday, only one container with health equipment had entered Nepal through the border point.

This vital border point was closed on January 29 after coronavirus started spreading in China. It was opened four months later but was closed again after the workers involved in unloading goods at the customs point were found infected with coronavirus in late August.

Nepal had been repeatedly requesting the Chinese side to release the goods that had been stuck since weeks.

The customs officials have mobilized eight dozers to clear the obstruction caused by landslides along the road within Nepal’s territory.

A Chinese delegation had paid an inspection visit to the Rasuwagadhi Customs Office on Wednesday prior to releasing the container carrying health equipment. After observing the customs office, the Chinese side agreed to unload goods in  two shifts, informed Khadka.

“The Chinese officials had visited this place to find a place across the friendship bridge where they could unload the goods,” added Khadka. “We are hopeful they will release more goods.”

During the last fiscal year, goods worth Rs 27 billion had entered Nepal through this customs point. The customs office had collected revenue worth Rs 7 billion during that period. This year, goods worth Rs 1 billion has entered through the customs point due to various obstructions.