People of Olangchungola in Taplejung which borders China have asked the government to seek Chinese assistance to construct roads and other infrastructure on Nepal side so that the frontier can be opened for formal trade.

Nepal and China have agreed to develop the necessary infrastructure to open another seven border points including Olangchungola.

Larke in Gorkha, Kimathanka in Sankhuwasabha, Lamabagar in Dolakha, Yari in Humla, Mugu village in Mugu district and Olangchungola in Taplejung are the seven border points which have been planned to be opened.

Currently, only the Rasuwagadhi border point is open for formal trade. Tatopani, the busiest border point, has been closed since the earthquake on April 25, 2015.

Tenzing Ukyab, a resident of Olangchungola, has asked the Prime Minister to request China to help build a road from the border to the district headquarters of Phungling.

He said that he handed over a memorandum containing the petition to the Prime Minister with the help of lawmaker Dambardhwoj Tambahamphe.

Tseten Sherpa, secretary of the Kanchenjunga Protection Area Management Council, said they want China to help build a blacktopped road connecting the district headquarters and the border.

Locals said the road wouldn’t cost much as there are rocks on the way. A 41-km track from Phungling to Likhim area has been opened. Olangchungola lies another 39 km from Likhim.

A north-south road is presently under construction which will link Olangchungola with the Tarai.

The road links Dovan of Terhathum, Panchthar and Dhankuta and the Tamor corridor which is connected with the road to the Tarai.