BIRATNAGAR: The first cargo brought via rail from the Kolkata port of India arrived at the Nepal customs yard located in Biratnagar on Monday. With this, the rail transportation service of goods imported from third countries has expanded to Biratnagar for the first time. This is expected to reduce both transportation costs and time for industrialists and importers of eastern Nepal.

The train that departed from Kolkata brought 40 containers carrying raw materials imported from a third country for Nepal’s Swastik Oil Industries to Biratnagar. An Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) is installed in those containers of Maersk Line to ensure the security of transportation.

For the first time for Nepal, the cargo transportation service via rail from Kolkata port to Biratnagar has come into operation. This service was started in coordination with the Nepali Consulate General, Kolkata Customs, Kolkata Port, and Container Corporation of India Limited.

Previously, rail cargo imported from third countries was limited to the Birgunj checkpoint only. “Now, after the expansion of the service to Biratnagar, it will bring major relief to industrialists and importers of eastern Nepal,” stated Nandu Rathi, the president of the Morang Industry Association.

After the rail cargo service comes into full operation, up to 45 containers of 40 feet can be brought to Biratnagar at one time. According to industrialist Suyash Pyakurel, because the railway is safe, reliable, and lower cost compared to the road, transportation expenses will significantly decrease.

Since the goods will arrive from Kolkata to Biratnagar in about 24 hours, the transportation time will also be shortened. From this, it is believed that demurrage charges incurred at the port, container detention charges, and additional expenses related to road transportation will also be reduced.

According to the Nepal-India Transit Treaty, there is a provision that roads, rails, and waterways can be used for import-export with third countries. In accordance with that very provision, the Government of India, while amending the rules regarding the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, opened the way for cargo transportation via rail from Kolkata, Haldia, and Visakhapatnam ports to the Biratnagar customs.

After that, upon the initiative of the Nepali Consulate General, Kolkata Customs managed the procedural arrangements to transport goods via rail through the Indian customs yard located in Jogbani to the Nepal customs yard located in Biratnagar.

With the rail cargo service coming into operation up to Biratnagar, along with the reduction of transit costs for industrialists and importers of eastern Nepal, the competitive capacity of Nepali industries is also expected to be further strengthened.

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