KATHMANDU: The Mustang customs office has collected Rs 2.54 billion in revenue over a 20-day period. The surge in revenue follows the closure of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border point due to floods in the Bhote Koshi river, which diverted the import of goods and electric vehicles through the Korala border point.
According to Mustang customs chief Bidur Chudal, 564 cargo containers and 1,090 electric vehicles have been cleared through the Korala border since Aug. 26. With the major Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani trade routes currently closed, the Korala pass has become the primary alternative route for imports from China.
The office has recorded a total revenue of Rs 3.07 billion for the months of July and August. Revenue for July stood at Rs 263.9 million, while August saw a significant increase to Rs 2.81 billion. In July, 100 electric vehicles were imported, generating Rs 173.4 million in revenue. In August, the import of 1,253 electric vehicles contributed Rs 1.93 billion to the total.
Prior to the route diversion, the office had collected only Rs 530,000 in revenue during the 40 days leading up to Aug. 26. For context, the office collected a total of Rs 6.92 billion in the entire fiscal year 2082/083, during which 3,223 electric vehicles passed through the Korala border.
