Rajya Sabha MP D.T. Lepcha has said that cross-border trade through Nathula Pass in Sikkim, suspended since the Covid-19 pandemic, is likely to resume from June 2026 at the existing trade centre.
The MP said the reopening of trade through Nathula would provide a significant boost to traders and border communities dependent on the Indo-China trade route, marking a key step towards reviving economic activity in the region.
“Trade operations will resume from the current trade center,” Lepcha said, indicating that preparations are underway to restart the long-halted exchange.
In a related development, he added that the Ministry of External Affairs is set to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula Pass in East Sikkim between June and August this year. The pilgrimage, which draws thousands of devotees annually, had also been suspended in recent years.
The twin resumption of trade and pilgrimage is expected to provide a fillip to local businesses, particularly in strategically important border areas of East Sikkim.
Also read: Sikkim to welcome pilgrims for Kailash Yatra after five-year gap
Infrastructure development in the region is also progressing, with work underway on an alternative highway aimed at improving connectivity to Nathula Pass and the Indo-Tibet border.
The 93-km road stretch from Rongli to Menla, including the Rolep-Menla section, is being developed by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) through a private contractor.
Lepcha, along with local MLA Pamin Lepcha and officials, recently visited the project site to review construction progress. Originally scheduled for completion by the end of this year, the highway project has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions in the mountainous terrain.
The revised timeline now places completion around 2027.
The proposed resumption of Nathula trade, alongside infrastructure upgrades, is expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen economic linkages in the region, which holds both strategic and commercial importance along the India-China border.
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