More than 100 electric vehicles have been imported from China through the Korala checkpoint located in Lomanthang, Mustang. However, the lack of adequate charging stations remains a major challenge, according to Ramesh Khadka, head of the Mustang Customs Office.
The electric vehicles imported from China are currently held at the Nepalese customs office in Nechung after completing the required customs procedures. The Mustang Customs Office reports that around 500 vehicles from BYD company are expected to be imported through Korala.
The checkpoint was opened just eight days ago, and since then, over 100 electric vehicles have entered the country, according to Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhusal. Earlier, the plan was to import these vehicles through Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani checkpoints, but due to floods and landslides blocking those routes, Korala has been used as an alternative.
“According to the customs office, more than 500 EVs are expected to arrive via Korala,” Bhusal said. “Even though the Chinese customs have cleared these vehicles, the Nepalese customs also conduct their own inspections.”
Ramesh Khadka also highlighted that the major concern for the imported electric vehicles is the shortage of charging stations in Nepal.
Along with vehicles, the checkpoint is also preparing to import festive clothes, electrical items, and cosmetic products. Some mid-sized cargo containers, having passed Chinese customs, have already arrived at Nechung. To transport goods, around 70 to 80 medium-sized containers have traveled through the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road to Korala, Khadka added.
