China has extended its road connectivity up to the Nepal-China border point at Tiptala Bhanjyang in Olangchungola, Taplejung. 

In the past, people had to walk around 2km to reach Tibet road from Tiptala Bhanjyang. The road connectivity with Tibet has created excitement among the people in the area. 

Trader Chheten Walung said vehicles will be available from the border area now. The residents of Olangchungola, Yangma, Tokpegola in Ghunsa Papung have been transporting daily essentials, including rice, salt and oil, from Riu bazaar in Tibet. They bring in herbs and carpets on return. 

“We have been travelling on foot to reach Lachiphungchung in Tibet before taking vehicles to reach Riu bazaar. Now, we can get vehicles at the border point itself,” said Dawand Lama, a trader and former District Development Committee member.  People are requesting the government to take an initiative to construct a road on the Nepali side, saying that they still have to walk for almost a day just to reach Tiptala Bhanjyang from Yangma and Olangchungola. The local authorities have to open 17 km road on the Nepali side, from the border point to Olangchungola. Local people have also urged Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to request the Chinese administration to provide excavators to open a road on the Nepali side.