Nepalgunj Integrated Check Post Begins Operations at Nepal-India Border
In a significant development for cross-border trade and regional connectivity, the Nepalgunj Integrated Check Post (ICP) constructed with the support of the Indian government at the Nepal-India border has commenced operations from Monday. The inauguration ceremony, graced by Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari, marked a pivotal moment in enhancing trade facilitation and border management between the two nations.
The check post came into operation as two cargo vehicles from Nepal were sent to India, signaling the start of export and import activities through the newly established facility. Previously, on April 21, 2024, India had completed the construction and handover of the check post to Nepal for operation.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Bhandari expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for its support in constructing the ICP. He emphasized that the check post will serve as a milestone in border management and trade facilitation between Nepal and India, facilitating the growth of international trade while curbing illegal cross-border activities.
Joining the celebrations, Prashant Bista, Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Dinesh Ghimire, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Dhundi Prasad Niraula, Director General of the Department of Customs, and Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board, highlighted the significant impact the integrated check post will have on the economic development of western Nepal.
The Nepalgunj ICP project was initiated during the India visit of Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on June 3, 2023, when Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Prachanda jointly inaugurated the facility from New Delhi, India. However, the check post could not commence operations immediately due to incomplete construction works.
The Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board has entrusted the operation of the ICP to TRS Atlas Logipark Pvt. Ltd., a private entity responsible for managing the facility.
Supported by the Indian government, the construction of the check post began on November 25, 2020, and was completed by Rajdeep Buildcon at a cost of approximately IRs. 2 billion. The ICP, spanning 88 bighas of land in Rupaidiha and Nepalgunj along the Nepal-India border, houses facilities for customs, immigration, plant and animal quarantine, banking, food technology and quality control, as well as accommodations for Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and staff.
The inauguration of the Nepalgunj Integrated Check Post marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border trade and regional connectivity between Nepal and India. The state-of-the-art infrastructure is expected to streamline customs procedures, improve supply chain efficiency, and foster economic growth in the region, while promoting bilateral economic cooperation and adherence to international trade conventions.
