PM Oli announces full operation of Mustang’s Korala border crossing

July 15, Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that preparations are underway to fully operate the Korala border crossing in Mustang with the necessary infrastructure and facilities. He shared this information during a meeting with federal parliamentarians and local representatives from Mustang at his official residence in Baluwatar on Monday night.

The announcement follows the closure of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing, connecting Nepal and China, due to a flash flood on July 8 that swept away the Miteri Bridge over the Bhote Koshi River in Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2. On the same day, Prime Minister Oli visited the affected area and directed relevant ministries to explore alternative routes and ensure the full operation of other border crossings.

During the meeting, Oli highlighted his past efforts in the region, including initiating the Benighat-Korala road construction, facilitating Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Muktinath, advancing the Muktinath cable car project, establishing an apple super zone, and promoting yak farming.

The Mustang delegation, which included federal parliamentarian Yogendra Gauchan Thakali, Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairperson Tasi Nharbu Gurung, and Lopsang Chhompel Bista, raised concerns about the restricted area designation in Upper Mustang’s Lomanthang and Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda rural municipalities. The $500 fee per foreign tourist has led to a decline in tourism, and they urged the government to reconsider the tourism royalty policy.

The delegation also demanded the paving of the 97-kilometre Kagbeni-Korala road section and the construction of essential infrastructure, including customs offices, immigration facilities, integrated security posts, and a dry port to fully operationalise the Korala crossing. They noted that incomplete road development and the restricted area policy have forced hotels and local businesses in Upper Mustang to operate at a loss.

Additionally, bridge construction projects over the Tatopani, Dana, Panda, and Tangbe rivers have stalled due to terminated contracts, requiring urgent resumption.