NADA AutoShow Day 4: EV Importers Shift to Alternative Routes for Festive Deliveries
28th August 2026, Kathmandu
Today marks the fourth day of the NADA Auto Show 2026, which commenced on Bhadra 9 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
Despite severe flood damage at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border, auto dealers at NADA Auto Show 2026 assure customers that vehicles booked at the event will be delivered via alternative routes in time for Dashain and Tihar.
NADA AutoShow Day 4
The auto sector faced severe hardship following unexpected flash floods in the Bhotekoshi River on Bhadra 10, which caused significant loss of life and property. Despite these adverse conditions, auto dealers continued the show to maintain momentum in economic activities.
Damage to the road connecting the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border point initially raised concerns among visitors regarding potential delays in electric vehicle (EV) deliveries from China. However, automobile dealers remain confident that vehicles will be delivered in time for the major upcoming festivals, Dashain and Tihar.
Dealers assured customers that vehicles booked during the NADA Auto Show will be imported using alternative border checkpoints and trade routes.
With the flood washing away critical infrastructure from customs borders down to transit highways, imports through the Kerung route have come to a standstill. In response, importers are actively preparing to route shipments through alternative customs points, primarily Tatopani and Korala, to minimize delivery delays.
Brand-Specific Import Strategies
BYD: Market leader BYD plans to import vehicles through the Korala border, a route it utilized last year as well. Despite losing a significant number of vehicles to the floods, the company is arranging additional shipments via Korala.
Ashish Shakya, Manager at Cimex Inc., noted that because the company already utilizes multiple customs entry points, a disruption at one border will not severely affect overall supply.
Deepal: EVs from Deepal are manufactured in Thailand and routed through India before entering Nepal via the Birgunj customs checkpoint.
Gyanendra Bahadur Chand, CEO of MAW Vriddhi, confirmed that festival-bound shipments are already in transit. “Deepal vehicles are produced in Thailand and shipped via India. Therefore, all vehicles booked during the NADA Auto Show will be delivered to customers well before Tihar,” Chand stated.
Nami: Milan Babu Malla, Executive Director at MAW Group, shared updates regarding the Nammi Vigo, currently one of the most talked-about models at the show.
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Although approximately 150 Nammi EVs were swept away by floods near the Rasuwa customs area, Malla assured that vehicles booked during and after the show will be brought into Nepal using alternative trade routes.
Industry-Wide Operations
Other major distributors importing Chinese auto brands into Nepal are similarly shifting to alternative corridors:
CG Motors: Aion and Riddara
Jagdamba Motors: Proton
Paramount Motors: MG and Wuling
SPG Automobiles: Omoda, Jaecoo, Chery Q, and iCar
VG Impex: Great Wall Motors (GWM)
LRR Group: Skywell and Geely
Laxmi Group: Kaiyi, BAIC, and Arcfox
All importers have initiated contingency plans to ensure that booking schedules remain unaffected, aiming to deliver vehicles in time for the peak Dashain–Tihar shopping season.
The NADA Auto Show 2026 runs from Bhadra 9 to 14 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
For more: NADA AutoShow Day 4
