Kathmandu, July 17 : Nepal has formally requested China’s assistance in reconstructing the flood-damaged Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road and the crucial border bridge that links the two countries.
The appeal was made during a meeting between Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song at the Ministry on Thursday. According to the minister’s secretariat, the two discussed key infrastructure projects impacted by recent monsoon floods.
During the talks, the Chinese side expressed interest in supporting the reconstruction effort and committed to building a temporary bridge at the damaged site as quickly as possible to restore cross-border movement.
The two sides also reviewed progress on other China-assisted infrastructure projects, including the Tokha–Chhahare tunnel, the Hilsa–Simikot road, and the Khandbari–Kimathanka road.
Ambassador Song informed that the long-delayed second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road expansion will begin soon. Minister Dahal expressed gratitude for China’s continued support and said he is confident that bilateral cooperation will deepen further in the coming days.
Ministry Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma, who also attended the meeting, said there is optimism that the border bridge will be rebuilt before the Dashain festival.
The Rasuwagadhi checkpoint, Nepal’s primary trade and transit route with China, has faced major disruptions since the floods damaged access roads and infrastructure. Minister Dahal has prioritized restoring operations in the affected section.
