Rasuwagadhi Miteri Bridge reopens, China-Nepal cargo movement resumes after four-day suspension

KATHMANDU: Cross-border trade through the Rasuwagadhi border point resumed on Thursday after the reopening of the Miteri Bridge, allowing cargo vehicles to travel between Nepal and China’s Kerung (Gyirong) following the successful completion of safety tests on the Bailey bridge.

Vehicle movement across the strategic Nepal-China trade corridor had been suspended since Asar 15 (June 29) to facilitate structural testing of the Bailey bridge by Chinese technical experts. Although authorities had initially announced a two-day closure, the testing and maintenance process took four days to complete before traffic was restored.

With the successful completion of the inspection, vehicles have once again started crossing the Miteri Bridge at the Rasuwagadhi border, reviving the flow of imports through one of Nepal’s most important northern trade gateways.

The Bailey bridge was constructed as a temporary replacement after devastating floods in the Lhende Khola on Asar 24 last year (July 8, 2025) swept away the previous cement machinery bridge that connected Nepal and China. Since then, the temporary structure has served as the primary crossing for trade and transportation between the two countries.

Chinese engineers conducted comprehensive structural assessments to determine whether the Bailey bridge could safely withstand the upcoming monsoon season. In addition to the technical inspection, maintenance work, including tightening critical bridge bolts and fasteners, was also completed before reopening the crossing.

According to the Timure Area Police Office, vehicle movement resumed immediately after engineers certified the bridge as safe for operation.

District Police Chief Ashok Thapa said that 22 container trucks, along with several small and heavy vehicles carrying import cargo, departed for Kerung on Thursday to collect goods from China.

At the same time, Nepal also received 33 cargo vehicles transporting fresh fruits, including apples, oranges, grapes and dragon fruit, marking the resumption of commercial imports after the temporary disruption.

Chinese technical authorities have, however, imposed operational restrictions to ensure the bridge’s safety. Vehicles carrying loads exceeding 14 feet in height will not be permitted to use the crossing.

To enforce the restriction, authorities from both Nepal and China have installed 14-foot height clearance barriers on either side of the bridge. Vehicles carrying cargo above the designated height will not be allowed to enter or exit through the border crossing.

Officials have urged freight operators, transport companies and importers to strictly comply with the height limitation to avoid delays and ensure uninterrupted trade.

Chief Customs Officer Rajendra Dhungana said the reopening of the bridge has already begun easing the movement of imported goods into Nepal.

Several cargo vehicles undergoing customs processing have already entered the customs yard, and authorities expect trade volumes to normalize in the coming days as logistics operations fully resume.

The Rasuwagadhi-Kerung corridor is Nepal’s principal overland trade route with China and plays a vital role in importing consumer goods, machinery, electronics, construction materials and agricultural products. The reopening of the Miteri Bridge is expected to improve supply chains, facilitate cross-border commerce, and strengthen Nepal-China trade during the peak monsoon season.