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China has shown growing interest in developing and effectively operating the Kimathanka–Chentang and Olangchung Gola–Riwu border points along Nepal's eastern-northern border, following extensive damage to the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border point caused by floods and landslides.

After search, rescue, and initial management efforts in the Rasuwagadhi area, a Chinese team reportedly conducted a field inspection of Nepal's eastern-northern border region and met with local administrations and security agencies.

Consul General of Nepal in Lhasa Laxmi Prasad Niraula said a team comprising senior Chinese and Nepali officials had earlier visited the Kimathanka border point, coordinated by him, to assess the existing infrastructure and identify the facilities required for its effective operation.Senior Chinese officials, including the Director-General of the Shigatse Office under China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the visit, he said.

The Chinese team that recently visited the region also held discussions with officials of Dingri County on border-point operations, road connectivity, bridges, border management and other necessary infrastructure.

China side has expressed interest in making the Kimathanka–Chentang and Olangchung Gola–Riwu border connections more organised and effective in the future, Niraula said.

The development of these eastern border points could provide Nepal with an opportunity to diversify its northern trade routes following the natural disaster in Rasuwagadhi.

Nepal and China currently conduct bilateral trade and cross-border movement through several northern border points, including Tatopani–Khasa, Rasuwa–Kerung, Yari–Purang in Humla, Olangchung Gola–Riwu, Kimathanka–Chentang and Nechung–Lizi in Mustang.However, the Kimathanka and Olangchung Gola border points have been unable to operate at full capacity for a long time due to inadequate infrastructure.

Roads and bridges a priority at Kimathanka

For the effective operation of the Kimathanka border point in Sankhuwasabha, the Khandbari–Kimathanka road must be upgraded and made reliable throughout the year.

Locals have demanded the construction of bridges, road safety structures and administrative facilities alongside road improvement.

China has shown interest in cooperating in the construction of an integrated check post, border bridges and road upgrading at Kimathanka, according to Niraula.

He said discussions had been held at various levels regarding the upgrading and effective operation of the border point, with the Chinese side expressing its commitment to provide necessary cooperation and support.

According to him, the Kimathanka area has relatively accessible terrain and does not face the difficult conditions of high Himalayan regions. If the necessary infrastructure is developed and the border point is upgraded for regular operation, it could significantly contribute to expanding trade and cross-border movement.

The operation of Kimathanka could open new trade opportunities for hilly districts of Koshi Province, including Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta and Tehrathum, said Mithun Bhote, a social worker from Bhotkhola Rural Municipality.

He said improved road infrastructure on both sides of the border could make trade connectivity between eastern Nepal and Tibet easier.

Upgrading the Koshi Highway, which connects Jogbani on the Indian border with Kimathanka on the Chinese border, and bringing Kimathanka into regular operation could facilitate trade between India and China, he said.

Bhote urged the Nepali government to intensify coordination with China and expedite formal procedures and proposals related to infrastructure development.

Dorje Bhote, a local businessman from Kimathanka, said trade activities would increase once regular vehicle movement became possible and the border point was upgraded.

Residents have also complained that while roads and infrastructure are being expanded on the Chinese side, roads, electricity, communications and market facilities remain inadequate on the Nepali side.

Opportunity to diversify trade routes

The disaster at Rasuwagadhi–Kerung has highlighted the risks of Nepal's heavy dependence on a single major northern trade route.

In this context, developing and regularly operating eastern border points could help diversify Nepal's trade routes with China.

If road connectivity through the Koshi Corridor linking India's border areas with China's border is improved, Kimathanka and Olangchung Gola could become important trade and connectivity points for eastern Nepal.

Nepal needs separate priorities and comprehensive plans for both border points, covering roads, bridges, customs, immigration, quarantine, security and communications infrastructure.

Shanta Bahadur Dumjan, former central president of the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs and a social worker, said merely deciding to open or operate border points would not be sufficient.Roads, bridges, markets, customs facilities and guaranteed market access for local products must be developed simultaneously, he said.

For residents of Olangchung Gola and Kimathanka, the border points are not only about trade but are closely linked to employment, daily supplies, livestock farming, local production and social relations.

By Sachin Pokharel