Nepal News Evening Economic Brief – October 18, 2026

KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today:

Tatopani Border Checkpoint Temporarily Reopens Today for 3 Days

The Tatopani border checkpoint temporarily reopened today to facilitate the import of essential festive commodities from the neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Following the official reopening, cargo-carrying commercial freight vehicles crossed into Nepal from Xizang starting early this morning. Chinese border authorities agreed to open the vital trade route for a planned duration of three days to streamline the supply of festival goods and daily consumer necessities into the domestic market. Transport representatives reported that more than 45 loaded freight containers are currently lined up and awaiting entry clearance in Nyalam, Xizang, following the complete border closure previously enforced by Chinese authorities since August 31 this year.

Food and Produce Imports Reach 2,418 Tons Via Northern Korala Border Point

The country imported 2,418 tons of fruits and food items through the northern Liji-Nechung (Korala) border crossing with China over the past month. According to the technical assistant at the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center located in Lomanthang Rural Municipality-4, Nechung, commercial shipment routes were redirected through Korala at an altitude of 4,650 meters following the closure of the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points. Bulk shipments featured 770.84 tons of walnuts, 703.8 tons of apples, 232.94 tons of pears, 222.77 tons of raisins, 103.43 tons of mangoes, 87.13 tons of dragon fruit, and 66.19 tons of grapes, alongside garlic, edible oil, kiwi, chili, and timbur. After completing laboratory inspections at the quarantine facility, cargo travels along the 186-kilometer Korala-Jomsom-Beni highway toward Pokhara.

Customer Wins Rs 1 Million in Taxpayer Incentive Program

Santamaya Tamang from Nuwakot has won a Rs 1 million bumper prize under the government’s taxpayer incentive prize program. Tamang had purchased goods worth Rs 3,000 from a local fancy house in Nuwakot, and the bill number 081632515849 secured her the top prize. The winners were announced on Sunday in Kathmandu by artists Deepak Raj Giri and Deepa Shree Niraula. According to Director General of the Inland Revenue Department Bhishma Kumar Bhusal, the announcement covered 16 fortnightly winners and the bumper prize winner for the period between October 2 and October 17. In addition to the bumper prize, 16 other individuals received Rs 133,334 each. The government initiated this program to promote the practice of issuing and obtaining invoices, aiming to increase transparency in financial transactions. Consumers who purchase goods or services worth more than Rs 100 are eligible to participate in the program.

Madhesh Records Financial Expansion in Total Deposit Collections, Credit Disbursement Contracts by 0.18%

The Madhesh Province registered a noticeable financial expansion in cumulative deposit collections alongside a marginal contraction in commercial credit disbursement through the end of the previous fiscal year in July 16, 2026. According to comprehensive annual economic activity reports published by Nepal Rastra Bank, total deposit collections across regional financial institutions rose significantly due to increased remittance inflows and domestic savings mobilization across local commercial banking branches. However, credit flow to key commercial, agricultural, and industrial sectors experienced a slight reduction of 0.18%, reflecting cautious lending strategies by commercial banks and sluggish credit demand among local business enterprises amid broader economic adjustments across the province.

Around 500,000 Passengers Leave Kathmandu Valley for Dashain

Nearly 500,000 passengers have left the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Bada Dashain with their families, with at least 496,323 people departing by public transport between Ghatasthapana and October 17. According to the Spokesperson of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the outflow of passengers began on October 11. The number of people leaving the valley has declined today compared with the previous two days. Passenger pressure remains high at major departure points, including New Bus Park in Gongabu, Machhapokhari, Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwor and Gaushala. People have been leaving the valley through several checkpoints to reach their hometowns for Dashain, including Pharping, Nagdhunga, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpiple, Sankhu, Jagati in Bhaktapur and Bhattedanda in Lalitpur.

Suspension Bridge Restores Transport Connectivity Over Trishuli River

A newly constructed suspension bridge connecting Dhunge and Trishuli market in Bidur Municipality-1, Nuwakot, has opened to facilitate local movement following the destruction of two concrete bridges spanning the Trishuli River during the Bhote Koshi flood on August 26. Local residents previously relied on hazardous tuin and zipline systems to cross the river, which created severe travel challenges for riverside settlements like Trishuli market. The primary structural components of the crossing are complete, significantly aiding pedestrian transport operations and enabling the efficient delivery of essential relief supplies and rehabilitation materials to affected areas. Final construction tasks include installing auxiliary support cables at four locations on each side of the bridge structure to ensure long-term stability and full operational safety.