Railway checkpoints to be developed at four points

KATHMANDU, Oct 25: The government has sped up the process of setting up integrated customs check posts linking the proposed railway lines along the four Nepali bordering towns. [break]



Integrated customs check posts are being developed as a part of the Customs Facilitation Program that Nepal and India jointly mooted for trade facilitation in 2007. The two sides had signed an agreement to this effect in 2007, under which India has promised to develop the check posts.



However, the process of setting up the cross-border check posts has not gained pace yet due to delay in identification and acquisition of land for the development and also due to additional time taken for the design of the posts.



Going by the agreement, integrated checkpoints with similar outlook and facilities would be constructed on both the sides of Nepal-India border in Biratnagar-Jogbani, Birgunj-Raxaul, Bhairahawa-Nautanuwa and Nepalgunj-Rupediya.



Total cost for the construction of the four check points has been estimated at Rs 16 billion.



Tulsi Prasad Sitaula, joint secretary at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MoPPW), said that the ministry had recently finalized the design of the proposed check posts at Birgunj. It has also completed acquisition of necessary land for Bhairahawa check post. The check post in Birgunj is proposed to occupy the area of around three hectares. Posts in other towns too are estimated to stretch along the similar area.



Rites Limited (India) would undertake the construction of all checkpoints through which railway lines will be laid down to some two to five kilometers inside the Nepali side of the border.“



"Construction of checkpoints at Birgunj will hopefully be initiated within this year as Rites has already completed the design works of the poin”s," Sitaula told myrepublica.



Under the initial understanding with India, Nepal Government has to make available necessary land, construct roads to proposed sites besides arranging facilities like electricity and water supply. Likewise, Rites would undertake the designing and contracting process for the construction of the posts.



Sitaula said necessary set up and facilities with similar design will be applied at both sides of the check posts to ensure rules and modality in executing effective quarantines and customs procedures while delivering goods through the posts.



He also said the check posts will also serve as the catalysts in checking illegal trade and unauthorized transportation of goods through the major customs, thereby pushing up customs duty mobilization.

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