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China–Nepal Gyirong–Rasuwa Port Reopens After Flood Disruption

By The South Asia Times

Beijing - The Gyirong–Rasuwa Port, one of the largest and most important land ports linking China and Nepal, resumed customs and passenger clearance on Thursday morning, nearly six months after severe flooding forced its closure and disrupted cross-border movement and trade.

The reopening marks a significant step toward restoring normal economic and people-to-people exchanges between the two neighboring countries, according to state-run Xinhua News.

Customs operations and passenger movement restarted simultaneously, allowing traders, transporters, and travelers to once again cross through the strategic Himalayan gateway.

The port, located at the Gyirong border point in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region and connected to Nepal’s Rasuwa district, was badly affected by floods last year following intense monsoon rains. Floodwaters damaged key infrastructure, including access roads, inspection facilities, and logistics areas, prompting authorities on both sides to suspend operations for safety reasons.

The prolonged closure disrupted bilateral trade flows, particularly the movement of daily consumer goods, construction materials, and agricultural products. It also affected local livelihoods in border regions that depend heavily on cross-border commerce and travel.

According to officials, extensive repair and rehabilitation work has been carried out over the past months to restore damaged facilities and improve flood-prevention measures. These included reinforcing riverbanks, repairing customs and quarantine buildings, and upgrading drainage and early-warning systems to mitigate the risk of future disasters.

The Gyirong–Rasuwa Port holds strategic importance for China–Nepal relations, serving as a key overland trade and transit route. It is also a vital link under broader regional connectivity initiatives, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two sides.