China Offers Assistance to Upgrade Barhabise-Tatopani Road Section

Ambassador Chen Song of the People's Republic of China to Nepal has extended China's readiness to support the enhancement of the Barhabise-Tatopani road section. During a constructive discussion held on Wednesday evening with stakeholders at the Tatopani Customs Office regarding border management and infrastructure improvements leading to the Miteri Bridge, Ambassador Chen emphasized the potential for collaborative road-building efforts between the two nations. He also announced that Chinese technicians would conduct a comprehensive study of the area, including the location of landslides and other pertinent aspects of the road.

The discussion saw the active participation of various stakeholders, including Madhav Sapkota, Member of Parliament from Sindhupalchok, who revealed that 1.2 billion rupees had been earmarked for the road's upgrading. Sapkota proposed a collaborative approach between Nepal and China for this endeavor.

Arjun Shrestha, Head of the Road Division Office in Dolakha, presented a detailed project report outlining Nepal's plans for road upgrading. Additionally, the meeting was attended by Dr. Rupak Sapkota, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Pasangnorbu Sherpa, Chair of Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality, local representatives, political leaders, the Chief District Officer, the Chief of Security Agency, and officials from the Customs and Road Offices.

The Tatopani trade and transit point, vital for bilateral trade between Nepal and China, had remained closed following the devastating earthquake of 2015. However, it was reopened in September 2023. During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda's visit to China in October of the same year, an agreement was reached for Chinese assistance in upgrading the road leading to the border crossing.