The Nechung Customs Office at the Nepal-China northern Korala border has collected revenue worth Rs 2.03 billion in just two weeks. The office, which came into full operation on September 16, reported this record collection by Tuesday morning.

This is the first time in its history that the customs office has collected such a large amount. On average, the office has been collecting over Rs 136.6 million in daily customs revenue. Previously, annual collections from goods imported by Upper Mustang residents barely reached Rs 1-1.5 million. This surge is largely due to the obstruction at the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani checkpoints following floods, landslides, and river erosion, which diverted imports, including electric vehicles, through Korala.

According to Customs Chief Ramesh Khadka, 965 out of 1,109 electric vehicles imported from China through Korala have already cleared customs, while 144 are still pending. Similarly, all 375 cargo containers imported through the border have been cleared and dispatched.

The customs office is currently closed for Dashain holidays and is expected to resume regular operations on October 7, after staff return from leave.

With the full operation of the Korala border, trade activities in Mustang have flourished. Local officials including Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chair Tasi Norbu Gurung said internal trade has grown and many locals - especially youth skilled in vehicle handling - are earning well by working in cross-border transport and loading-unloading services at the Chinese customs side.