Upper Karnali Project Advances

 

Upper Karnali Project Advances, Gold Smuggling Probe Intensifies, Tatopani Border Reopens

Date: October 19, 2026
Category: Nepal News, National Affairs, Hydropower and Trade

1. Upper Karnali Hydropower Project Set for Fresh Progress After Years of Delays

Nepal’s 900-megawatt Upper Karnali Hydropower Project has received renewed momentum following efforts by Investment Board Nepal to facilitate its implementation.

The project has faced years of delays due to legal challenges, repeated deadline extensions, and difficulties in securing the financing required for construction. These obstacles have slowed progress on one of Nepal’s major hydropower development initiatives.

The latest intervention aims to address longstanding issues and help move the project toward implementation. If the remaining challenges are resolved, the project could become an important contributor to Nepal’s electricity generation and hydropower development.

However, its actual progress will depend on resolving outstanding financial, regulatory, and implementation challenges.

Source: The Kathmandu Post – Upper Karnali Project

2. Nepal Police Investigate Domestic Links to 21.75-Kilogram Gold Smuggling Case

Nepal Police are investigating suspected domestic connections to a gold smuggling network involving 21.75 kilograms of gold.

According to the reported investigation, the gold was brought into Nepal through Tribhuvan International Airport and subsequently transported to Budhanilkantha for processing. Investigators suspect that the processed gold was intended to be smuggled into India.

Authorities are working to identify individuals in Nepal who may have been involved in the operation. The investigation is expected to focus on the movement of the gold, the people connected to the network, and the suspected cross-border smuggling route.

Further details will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Source: The Kathmandu Post – Gold Smuggling Investigation

3. Tatopani Border Reopens as Traders Rush to Bring in Dashain Supplies

Cross-border trade between Nepal and China has resumed through the Tatopani transit point, providing relief to traders preparing for the Dashain festival.

More than 45 cargo containers had reportedly been stranded on the Chinese side of the border, raising concerns about delays in the supply of festive goods and possible price pressures in local markets.

The reopening has created an opportunity for traders to bring their shipments into Nepal and distribute goods ahead of the festival. Timely clearance of the stranded cargo will be important for businesses seeking to meet increased consumer demand during the festive season.

Traders and importers will be watching the movement of cargo closely as they work to restore supply and avoid further delays.

Source: The Kathmandu Post – Tatopani Border Reopening

Conclusion

Developments in hydropower, law enforcement, and cross-border trade remain important for Nepal’s economic and public affairs. Progress on the Upper Karnali project could support the country’s energy ambitions, while the gold smuggling investigation highlights ongoing enforcement challenges. Meanwhile, the reopening of the Tatopani border offers relief to traders preparing for the Dashain festival.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on the news reports linked above. Readers should consult the original sources for further details and subsequent updates.