TAPLEJUNG: The Tiptala border customs office in Olangchungola, Taplejung has resumed operations after staff management was restored, reopening a key trade route with China.

According to Chheten Lama, the Ward Chairman of Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-7, the customs office here was previously operated solely by an office assistant.

He informed that while the customs office was completely closed with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now been brought back into operation after managing the required personnel.

He stated that the border point came into regular operation after Non-Gazetted First Class Officer Pradeep Dhital was assigned as the chief on Thursday to run the customs office.

“Olangchungola is the shortest trading center connecting Nepal’s eastern region with Tibet, an autonomous region of China. One can reach the Tiptala border point on the Nepal-China border by traveling a distance of 24 kilometers from Olangchungola,” Ward Chairman Lama said.

Olangchungola is the shortest trading route linking eastern Nepal with Tibet, China, located about 24 km from the border point. Locals say the decades-old customs building is in poor condition and have urged the government for a new structure and proper facilities.

Residents expect improved revenue collection and trade activity following the reopening and recent road access to the area.