Tatopani border point likely to reopen soon

Kavre, May 26

The Nepal-China Tatopani border point, which was closed following the 2015 earthquakes, is likely to reopen from next week.

The border point was closed after Miteri bridge that connects Nepal with China was damaged in the earthquakes.

The government has expedited preparations to reopen the border point at the earliest. Construction work on bridge is in the final phase.

China’s Tiyanasuna Road and Bridge Company has been entrusted with the responsibility for constructing the bridge.

Organising a press meet on the premises of the Embassy of China last Thursday, China’s envoy to Nepal Hou Yanqi informed that Tatopani border point would be reopened soon.

The Chinese side has already constructed the road from the border point to Beri on the Nepali side and Division Road Office, Charikot, has constructed the road from Barhabise to Beri. Market places and houses destroyed by the earthquakes in Tatopani and Liping area have been reconstructed.

Likewise, Tatopani Immigration Office that was closed after the earthquakes four years ago has also been brought into operation. Repair and construction work of a dry port at Larcha has also been completed.

According to Tatopani Customs Office Chief Krishna Basnet, repair and reconstruction of the main customs office, quarters, quarantine, godown, check post, banks and other infrastructure has been completed. “Most works related to reopening the border point have been completed.

Only some technical issues have to be fixed before bringing the border point into operation,” Basnet said.

The Chinese government had started constructing the dry port at Larcha of Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, Sindhupalchowk, in line with the international standard seven years ago.

Preparations are under way to bring in six containers loaded with wool via the borer point to Nepal from China on the day the border point is reopened. Basnet said Chinese officials were preparing to reopen the border point by sending six containers on May 31.

Earlier, China had been reluctant to reopen the border point citing safety and security reasons despite frequent requests from the Government of Nepal.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa today made a field observation of the Tatopani border point. He directed police personnel to maintain peace and harmony. Lawmaker Agni Prasad Sapkota urged the security force and locals to control illegal activities taking place at the border point.