KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today:

Direct Rail Cargo Service Launches from Kolkata to Biratnagar

The first direct rail cargo service from Kolkata Port to the Biratnagar Customs Yard commenced yesterday, establishing a new transit corridor. Flagged off by Consul General Jhakka Prasad Acharya, the maiden voyage transported 40 containers of canola grain for Swastik Oil Industries via a Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) train. This route, enabled by the November 4, 2025, amendment to the Nepal-India Transit Treaty and February 26, 2026, procedural guidelines, reduces the 24-hour transit journey compared to road transport. Officials expect this to lower logistics costs and improve efficiency, with future trips projected to carry up to 45 containers.

FDI Commitments in Nepal Drop to Rs 58.01 Billion

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments in Nepal declined by nearly Rs 7 billion in the fiscal year 2025/2026, totaling Rs 58.01 billion compared to approximately Rs 65 billion in 2024/2025. The Department of Industry approved 1,116 projects, which are expected to create 28,423 jobs. Agriculture and forestry attracted the highest capital at Rs 23.188 billion, while the ICT sector led in project volume with 727 projects worth Rs 2.833 billion. Other significant investments included tourism (Rs 13.997 billion), energy (Rs 7.168 billion), services (Rs 4.914 billion), manufacturing (Rs 3.910 billion), infrastructure (Rs 1.804 billion), and mining (Rs 185 million).

Rs 32.88 Billion Revenue Collection in Madhesh Province

The Ministry of Economic Affairs of Madhesh Province reported a total revenue collection of Rs 32.88 billion for the last fiscal year. Statistical Officer Rajendra Acharya noted that internal revenue contributed Rs 5.76 billion, including Rs 1.77 billion from land and housing registration and Rs 2.27 billion from vehicle tax. Additionally, the province received Rs 8.86 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT), Rs 3.20 billion in excise duty, and federal grants totaling Rs 10.79 billion. Information Officer Ansh Kumar Jha cited economic liquidity and property damage during the September 8 and September 9, 2025, agitation for missing revenue targets.

Workshop Boosts Nepali Exports to UK

An interactive program titled “Unlocking Tariff-Free Access to the UK: Opportunities for Nepali Exporters under the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)” was held yesterday at Hotel Shanker. Organized by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the British Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal in Business – Growth Advisors (NiB-GA), and the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NBCCI), the event focused on utilizing duty-free access for 99 percent of products. British Ambassador Rob Fenn highlighted that the DCTS offers flexible rules of origin, enabling exports in sectors like carpets, tea, and handicrafts to enhance bilateral trade and local employment.

Proposed Re 1 Levy for Accident Relief Fund

The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE) has proposed adding Re 1 per liter to petrol and diesel prices, plus Re 1 per unit on electric vehicle charging, to create an Accident Relief Fund. General Secretary Deknath Gautam submitted the proposal to Ministers Sunil Lamsal and Sobita Gautam, requesting its inclusion in the Vehicles Act, 2026. The plan also involves contributing 1 percent of third-party motor insurance premiums and government grants to the fund. This initiative aims to provide emergency rescue, medical treatment, and compensation for road accident victims when standard insurance coverage or vehicle owner support is unavailable.

Nepalgunj Customs Collects Rs 20.11 Billion in FY 2025/26

The Nepalgunj Customs Office collected Rs 20.115 billion in revenue during the fiscal year 2025/26, a decline of Rs 164.5 million compared with the previous fiscal year. The chief customs officer attributed the decrease to lower imports of petroleum products and India’s ban on sugar exports. He said the decline was smaller than initially expected. According to the customs office, revenue collection stood at Rs 20.285 billion in 2024/25, up from Rs 18.157 billion in 2023/24. Major imports through the Nepalgunj Customs Office include fuel, tractors and tillers, polyethylene granules, rice, food grains, and iron, while herbs are among the key export items.

Health Ministry Plans to Expand Domestic Production of 36 Essential Medicines

The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has begun preparations to expand domestic production of 36 essential medicines through Nepal Aushadhi Limited over the next two years to strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical sector. The ministry said it is moving ahead with a memorandum of understanding with Nepal Aushadhi Limited to implement the plan. The state-owned company currently produces 11 essential medicines, with future production set to include medicines for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The ministry will allocate the required budget, prioritize domestically produced medicines in procurement for government health institutions, and intensify research, quality testing, licensing, and technical preparations. It said the initiative aims to reduce import dependence, support the domestic pharmaceutical industry, and ensure a regular supply of quality, affordable essential medicines.

Protest Against Labor Exploitation of Doctors

Medical personnel, including interns and resident doctors, organized by the Struggle Committee Against Labor Exploitation of Young and Trainee Doctors, protested at Maitighar, Kathmandu, today. The protesters allege routine violations of the Labor Act, 2017, and demand a 12-hour daily and 72-hour weekly work limit, along with one mandatory weekly day off and overtime pay for hours exceeding 48 per week. They further demand government-mandated salary increases, pay parity with eighth-level officers, and the removal of the one-year work experience requirement for postgraduate medical program admissions.

Rs 205 Million Irregularity at Nepal Television

An investigation committee has reported financial irregularities exceeding Rs 205 million in Nepal Television (NTV)’s satellite bandwidth procurement. The report, submitted to Communications Minister Bikram Timilsina, identifies violations of the Public Procurement Act and Rules, including non-competitive contract renewals and payments made before service initiation. The probe reveals failures dating to the 2012 agreement, such as selecting a disqualified bidder and purchasing excess bandwidth at inflated costs. The committee recommends legal action against NTV board members and management for these practices, which contributed to a 30-minute broadcast blackout in June 2022.