Kathmandu. Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal has said that trade would be facilitated by repairing rasuwagadhi road at the earliest and opening kerung border point.

In a discussion organized by the Infrastructure Development Committee of the House of Representatives here today, he talked about the condition of the inter-country Kodari Highway, Rasuwagadhi and other roads during the rainy season and the condition of road transport and road infrastructure on the eve of the festival.

The Kerung border point has been obstructed after a bridge was washed away due to flooding in the Lhende rivulet on the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa due to a glacial lake explosion in the morning.

“Construction of Rasuwagadhi road should also be completed along with the bridge. If the bridge is not constructed, the goods stuck at the border point cannot be brought to Nepal,” he said, adding, “We have also tried to bring the goods stopped due to the floods to Nepal.” ’

He also said that the construction of north-south highway would be completed soon. Minister Dahal pledged to construct environment-friendly roads and implement road safety policy during the construction of new roads. “The tunnel is the best option for disasters like floods and landslides and for speedy travel, but due to lack of budget, there are challenges in the implementation of such projects,” he said.

Committee President Deepak Bahadur Singh urged the government to immediately operate the border points with China in view of the festivals like Dashain and Tihar. “Clothes and clothes are imported from China, so it is cheaper. Arrangements should be made to bring the stalled goods to Nepal to make The Dashain-Tihar expensive,” he said.

Lawmaker Madhav Sapkota said the festivals would be costlier if the roads were not opened as both the border points with China were closed in the face of festivals. Lawmaker Prakash Jwala urged the government to manage the landslide of the road at the earliest.

Lawmakers Nisha Dangi, Maina Karki, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Geeta Gurung and Bina Lama, among others, stressed the need for the government to be serious in facilitating the smooth operation of the blocked roads.

Secretary at the Ministry Keshav Kumar Sharma said preparations were underway to bring the essential goods stuck at Kerung border point to Nepal through alternative means.