China has started installing a temporary Bailey bridge at Rasuwagadhi after floodwaters on the Lhende stream washed away the Miteri Bridge and nearby road on Asar 24. The border crossing has stayed shut since then, and Nepal-China trade is still blocked.
About 1,200 meters of the Rasuwagadhi-Syafrubesi road has been repaired and reopened in one direction this week. Trade cannot resume until the bridge is ready.
Rasuwa Chief District Officer Arjun Paudel said China has not given an official completion date. He added that, informally, the bridge could be finished within **Bhadu*ra***.
Chinese equipment, including cranes and excavators, has already reached the site. Bridge materials are also being moved in.
The Department of Roads’ Bridge Division says final installation could take 15 days to 1 month once all materials are in place.
More than 500 containers carrying goods from Nepal are currently stuck in Kerung. Rasuwagadhi is one of Nepal’s busiest trade routes with China. It handles a large share of bilateral trade, especially electric vehicles, fruits, garlic, walnuts and clothing.
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