Trade affected in eastern Nepal as bridge collapses near Nepal-India border

A bridge near the Rani customs point in Biratnagar has collapsed affecting imports and exports from the area.

The Biratnagar Customs Office says the bridge, which was in a dire state, collapsed on Thursday resulting in trucks bearing goods for Nepal still stuck in India. Indian trucks are also stuck in Nepal, say customs officials.

Morang’s chief district officer, Kashi Raj Dahal, says he has sent a team to monitor the situation and has been speaking to Indian officials about the status of the bridge.

“We will look for other alternatives,” he says.

The same bridge had problems in August 2017 too, after which minor repair works had been done.

Like in 2017, it is likely that trade will continue from Sunsari’s Koshi Barrage. Most vehicles have already been diverted towards Koshi Barrage, inform customs officials.