Department of Customs (DoC) has expedited construction of an integrated border check point (ICP) at Nepal-China bordering point of Rashuwagadi.

Recently, the department had invited bids for the construction of a multi-storey building, which will house units of a number of government offices related to customs.

DoC Director General Shishir Kumar Dhungana said they have earmarked Rs560 million for the project.  He said the infrastructure will house immigration office, customs clearing unit, and security and quarantine check, among others. 

Rashuwagadi-Kyirong is the key entry point to the northern neighbour for trade through land route. 

With the Tatopani-Khasa route remaining closed since 2015 earthquakes, traders have been using the Rashuwagadi-Kyirong route for trade with China.

It has also emerged as an important surface route, with 23,452 Chinese visitors entering the country through this point last year. 

Mainly, apple, readymade garment, footwear, toys, herbs like jimbu, cosmetics goods, blanket, thermos and electronic goods are imported through Rashuwagadi. Major export items include flour, chilli, beaten rice, broom, noodles, molasses and fruit juice, among others.

According to the department, China has already built necessary infrastructure on its side at Kyirong. It has constructed a blacktopped road up to the Nepal border from its national highway linking Tingri, Lhatse and Shigatse.

The Chinese government is also considering extending the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Rashuwagadi through the Shigatse-Kyirong stretch. It has planned to construct the railway line by 2020. 

Dhungana said the government has completed land acquisition for a dry port to be constructed in Timure of Rasuwa. 

The dry port will spread over 6,900 square meters.