15th September 2025, Kathmandu
The Korala border point in Lomanthang, Mustang, has rapidly emerged as a crucial alternative route for importing goods from China, with over 100 electric vehicles (EVs) having already entered Nepal within just eight days of the border’s reopening.
Korala Border Electric Vehicles
This significant influx of vehicles signals a major shift in trade logistics, driven by recent natural disasters that have made traditional border points impassable.
According to the Mustang Customs Office, these electric vehicles, primarily from the Chinese manufacturer BYD, have completed their initial customs procedures and are currently parked at the Nechung customs office.
Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal confirmed the rapid pace of imports, noting that the Korala route was activated as an alternative after landslides and flooding severely obstructed the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points, which are the main arteries for Nepal-China trade.
The shift to the Korala border is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Nepal’s import sector. With traditional routes non-operational for months, traders have turned to the more challenging, but now viable, Korala corridor.
While the road from Beni to Jomsom to Korala is still undergoing infrastructure improvements, it has proven capable of handling the transport of cargo containers, with about 70 to 80 medium-sized containers having already arrived at the border point.
The decision to reroute was also influenced by the festive season, as importers race against time to bring in goods to meet the high demand for Dashain and Tihar.
While the volume of imports is a positive sign for the economy, the transition is not without its challenges. The primary concern for the newly imported electric vehicles is the lack of a robust charging infrastructure.
Mustang Customs Office Chief Ramesh Khadka highlighted this issue, stating that while the vehicles have successfully crossed the border, the absence of charging stations along the route poses a significant logistical hurdle for their onward journey to major cities like Kathmandu.
This highlights a critical infrastructure gap that needs to be addressed for the long-term sustainability of the EV market in Nepal.
The rapid growth of the EV market in Nepal is a notable trend. In the past fiscal year, electric vehicles have accounted for an overwhelming majority of four-wheeled passenger vehicle imports, showcasing a strong public preference for green mobility. This demand is further fueled by rising fuel prices and favorable government policies.
However, the current situation at Korala underscores the need for a national strategy that goes beyond just import incentives and focuses on building the necessary support systems, such as a nationwide network of charging stations.
Beyond vehicles, the Korala border is also buzzing with activity as preparations are underway to import a wide variety of festival-targeted goods, including clothing, electronic goods, and cosmetic items.
The diversification of imports through this route is a positive development, potentially distributing trade benefits to a new region and reducing reliance on a few concentrated border points.
The use of the Korala border as a major trade route is a significant moment for Nepal’s economic landscape. It demonstrates a proactive response to supply chain disruptions and opens up a new gateway for commerce.
As the number of electric vehicles and other goods continues to grow at the Nechung customs office, ICTFrame will be following this story closely.
The successful clearance and transportation of these EVs will not only be a win for importers but also a crucial test case for the future of trade through Nepal’s high-altitude northern border points.
For more: Korala Border Electric Vehicles