The Nepal–China border customs office at Nhechung, Korala, Mustang, has collected revenue worth Rs 2.02bn in just two weeks. The office, which came into full operation on Sept 16, recorded the highest-ever revenue collection in its history by Tuesday morning.

On average, the office collected more than Rs 136.6m daily, a dramatic rise compared to previous years when revenue was limited to just Rs 1–1.5m annually from household imports by Upper Mustang residents. The surge is largely attributed to the disruption of trade at the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani checkpoints due to landslides and river erosion, which shifted imports, including a large number of electric vehicles, through Korala.

According to customs chief Ramesh Khadka, out of 1,109 electric vehicles imported via Korala, 965 have already cleared customs, while 144 are still undergoing the process. Similarly, all 375 container trucks importing goods have completed customs clearance and moved toward their destinations.

The customs office staff have left for Dashain holidays, and regular operations are expected to resume from Oct 7, said customs officer Uttam Rai.

With the full operation of the Korala border, business activities in Mustang have significantly increased. Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairperson Tasi Nurbur Gurung said local trade has improved, and residents are earning well. Many youths are engaged in loading and unloading goods and driving imported electric vehicles across the border, creating new income opportunities.