Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Border Expected to Reopen by July 30 as Nepal Builds Temporary Bailey Bridge
Nepal aims to reopen the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border crossing by Shrawan 15 (July 30) using a temporary Bailey bridge, while requesting China’s support for permanent reconstruction.
Following the collapse of the Miteri bridge over Lhendekhola due to flash floods last week, the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung trade route—Nepal’s only operational road link to China—has remained closed. The government now plans to resume operations by Shrawan 15 (July 30) with the help of a temporary Bailey bridge.
Officials at the Department of Roads have confirmed that construction of the bridge will be completed between Shrawan 8–10 (July 23–25). Small vehicles will begin movement immediately, and container trucks and heavy cargo vehicles are expected to resume by Bhadra (late August).
“By Shrawan 15, the Bailey bridge will be open for traffic,” said a department source. “It may take another month or more to allow large container trucks.”
Permanent reconstruction of a reinforced concrete bridge will take several years, prompting Nepal to seek technical and financial cooperation from China. Discussions are ongoing between local authorities and Chinese representatives for long-term planning.
The floods had also damaged nearly a dozen spots along the 17-kilometer stretch from Syafrubensi to Rasuwagadhi. Road repairs are expected to be completed within this week.
High-level coordination is underway involving the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Finance, while Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed urgency in restoring cross-border connectivity.