KATHMANDU: The ongoing obstruction at Indo-Nepal border points has adversely affected the trade and business in the Capital in the run up to the festivals.

Traders of New Road, one of the major shopping hubs in the Capital, for instance, say that there is a slump in the business especially after the undeclared "border blockade" by India as most of their import cargo remains stuck at the border.

Although different goods are on the demand for the Dashain festival, the business has been decreased for lack of smooth supply following the blockade.

Chairman of Khichapokhari Trade Centre, Manoj Shrestha, said that there was a decrease in business in New Road area including Khichapokhari.

He said, “In previous years, people used to face difficulty in their movement due to the crowd of shoppers. But less number of people is now found visiting the shops.”

Similarly, Chairman of RB Complex Trade Association, Parsuram Dahal, said that there was a decrease in their business due to the disruption in import of goods following the April 25 earthquake as well as the unannounced border blockade.

Businessmen said that business activities have decreased this year by around 60 per cent as compared to the previous year.

They said that the unannounced border blockade and political instability are main causes behind it.