Kathmandu — Nepal’s vital trade route, the Araniko Highway, has remained closed for more than 50 days due to continuous landslides, shutting down the Tatopani border with China. The closure has left nearly 1,500 shipping containers stranded at various points, disrupting the flow of goods ahead of the Dashain festival.
Traders Struggle as Government Seeks Temporary Solution
The landslides in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality of Sindhupalchok have completely cut off road access. Both raw materials and finished goods remain stuck, creating severe challenges for industries and traders. According to Buddharaj Basnet, President of the Sindhupalchok Chamber of Commerce and Industry, businesses are losing tens of millions of rupees each day as supplies fail to reach markets.
Stakeholders raised their concerns with Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, after the prolonged closure. Minister Ghising instructed the Department of Roads to take urgent steps. Following an on-site inspection, officials said a six-meter-wide one-way passage would be opened temporarily to allow partial traffic flow.
Demand for Long-Term Fix as Dashain Nears
Silk Transport Director Vijay Sherpa said the prolonged disruption has created immense hardship for industries and transport operators. While temporary fixes may provide some relief, he stressed that a permanent and resilient solution is needed. Local communities have also urged authorities to prioritize safety of settlements while rebuilding the road.
With Dashain approaching, delays in cross-border trade have raised fears of shortages in essential goods. The closure of the Tatopani border has not only disrupted supply chains but also created difficulties for ordinary citizens preparing for the festive season.
