Nepal and India are all set to sign an agreement related to the latter providing bulk cargo facility at various border points of Nepal during Nepal Prime Minster KP Sharma Oli’s state visit to the southern neighbour, The Kathmandu Post reports.
Quoting sources, the report said India has expressed readiness to sign the agreement that would open doors to import the bulk cargo from third countries directly to Biratnagar, Bhairawaha and Nepalgunj through railways.
This kind of facility is currently available only at Birgunj customs. Both the countries had been holding discussions regarding the issue for a long time. Bulk cargo includes fertilizers, sugar, soybean, salt, piña, raw plastic materials among others.
The bulk cargo items brought from third countries via Kolkata, Haldiya and Vishakapatnam ports are imported to Nepal only through Birgunj border point at present.
Citing lack of railway infrastructure, India has been saying that it was difficult to provide bulk cargo facility at other border points.
Earlier in 2012, Nepal India Inter Government Committee had agreed to expand the bulk cargo facility at Biratnagar and Bhairawaha border points. The agreement, however, was not implemented as the letter of exchange was not issued.