Rasuwa Customs Revenue Collection Reaches NPR 1.16 Billion

27th January 2026, Kathmandu

The Rasuwa Customs Office has marked a significant financial and operational achievement by collecting NPR 1.16 billion in revenue during the first half of the current fiscal year. Announced on the occasion of the 74th Customs Day, this milestone is a testament to the resilience of Nepal’s northern trade corridor, which has faced extraordinary challenges from natural disasters over the past year. Under the leadership of Chief Customs Officer Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai, the office has managed to sustain trade flow and revenue generation despite the severe impact of monsoon flooding that nearly paralyzed the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border crossing.

Rasuwa Customs Revenue Collection

The revenue collection success is largely attributed to the strategic management of imports from China, particularly high-value commodities. As the second-largest trading partner of Nepal, China provides a vital supply of electric vehicles, hydropower equipment, and consumer goods. Despite the logistical hurdles, the customs office has successfully processed approximately 200 cargo containers recently, indicating a robust recovery in trade volume.

Overcoming the Lhende River Flood Disaster

The most significant obstacle to Rasuwa Customs Revenue Collection was the devastating flood in the Lhende River on Ashadh 24 of the previous year. The floodwaters caused massive destruction at the dry port area in Timure and swept away the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge (Miteri Bridge), which is the primary link between the two nations. For nearly six months, the border remained effectively closed for heavy vehicle movement, forcing traders to divert shipments to other routes like the Korala border in Mustang or the Tatopani border in Sindhupalchok.

The recovery process has been a coordinated effort involving the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee and support from the Chinese government. The installation of a temporary Bailey bridge in late December 2025 was the turning point that allowed Rasuwagadhi to resume operations. Currently, the cleared dry port area can accommodate up to 250 trucks, providing much-needed space for inspection and clearance as the backlog of stranded goods begins to clear.

Electric Vehicles: The Engine of Customs Revenue

A major driver of the NPR 1.16 billion revenue figure has been the continued surge in electric vehicle (EV) imports. During the Customs Day ceremony, CG Motor Suppliers was specifically honored for its contribution of NPR 3.21 billion in revenue during the last fiscal year, highlighting the massive scale of the EV market. Chinese EV brands now dominate over 70 percent of the Nepali market, and Rasuwagadhi remains their preferred entry point due to the shorter land route compared to sea freight via India.

Even with the six-month border disruption, the demand for sustainable transport in Kathmandu and other urban centers has kept import pressure high. Traders have noted that as soon as the Bailey bridge became operational in January 2026, hundreds of EVs that were stranded on the Chinese side began entering Nepal, providing an immediate boost to the customs treasury.

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Institutional Excellence and Recognition

The 74th Customs Day program served as a platform to recognize the human element behind these financial figures. Chief District Officer Rajesh Panthi joined Chief Customs Officer Bhattarai in honoring both private sector partners and dedicated staff members. Among the recognized staff were Nayab Subba Ramesh Gyawali and office assistant Naresh Datt Joshi, whose efforts in navigating the post-flood chaos were deemed essential to the office’s performance.

In the private sector, besides the recognition of CG Motor Suppliers for imports, Finjo Sonam Suppliers was honored for its successful export of goods worth NPR 740 million. This recognition is particularly notable given that Nepal’s exports to China have historically remained low, and promoting local products like carpets, herbs, and handicrafts remains a top priority for balancing the trade deficit.

Infrastructure Development and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the sustainability of Rasuwa Customs Revenue Collection depends heavily on the “Himalayan connectivity” projects currently underway. The Chinese government is supporting road improvement initiatives to widen narrow bends and reinforce landslide-prone sections along the Syabrubesi-Rasuwagadhi highway. Furthermore, the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project has played an unsung role by using its heavy machinery to keep the roads clear of debris during the harsh winter and monsoon seasons.

Stakeholders at the event emphasized that the Rasuwagadhi border must be operated with the highest level of transparency and policy compliance to maintain its status as a reliable international gateway. With the dry port reconstruction expected to pick up pace in early 2026 and the potential for a permanent replacement for the Miteri Bridge, the customs office is optimistic about exceeding its annual revenue targets.

Conclusion

The collection of NPR 1.16 billion in the face of a half-year border closure is a remarkable feat for the Rasuwa Customs Office. It reflects a successful blend of disaster management, private sector dynamism, and strategic bilateral cooperation with China. As the northern trade route stabilizes, Rasuwagadhi is set to remain a cornerstone of Nepal’s economic infrastructure, driving the nation toward its goals of energy transition and trade diversification.

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