KATHMANDU: There are currently no restrictions on the movement of trucks from the Indian side. Indian Customs has been consistently requesting the facilitation of cross-border transport.
However, challenges persist on the Nepali side due to the prevailing security situation and a shortage of customs staff. As a result, several cargo vehicles, including petroleum tankers, are waiting for clearance from Nepali authorities before they can enter Nepal.
A significant number of goods-laden trucks are also currently parked at various Nepali customs yards, awaiting both import clearance from Nepal Customs and additional approvals from security agencies to proceed further into the country.
At Kakarbhitta, 35 trucks remain stranded, as the customs office was damaged by fire. At the ICP in Biratnagar, where there has been limited damage, around 300 vehicles are awaiting processing.
Similarly, 50 vehicles are held at ICP Birgunj, while Bhairahawa has approximately 300 trucks pending clearance due to a non-functional server room. At ICP Nepalgunj, around 140 vehicles remain in queue.
Encouragingly, movement of trucks at ICP Birgunj has resumed. Essential commodities such as petroleum products, LPG, and medicines are now being transported across Nepal in police-escorted convoys.
According to the latest notice issued by Nepal Customs, raw materials required for industries will also be transported in convoys beginning tomorrow.
So far, a total of 117 goods vehicles, including 53 petroleum tankers, have been cleared and exported to the Nepali side. Additionally, around 200 empty vehicles from ICP Birgunj have returned to India.
In Bhairahawa and ICP Nepalgunj, Nepali authorities have also begun clearing certain essential and perishable goods. This indicates a partial restoration of customs operations by Nepali authorities as of today.
Indian authorities continue to coordinate closely with their Nepali counterparts and have assured ongoing support for any facilitation required to ensure the smooth movement of goods.
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