BIRJUNG: The Dry Port Customs Office at Sirsiya will be merged with the Birgunj Customs Office starting July 17, following a federal government decision to unify customs operations.

Currently, the Integrated Check Post (ICP) operates under Birgunj Customs, while the Dry Port Customs functions independently. The merger aims to streamline administration and improve efficiency under a single authority.

The integration will take place after the end of the current fiscal year, aligning with separate revenue targets and budget cycles of the two offices.

Sirsiya Dry Port, covering 57 bighas, was developed with Rs 820 million in World Bank funding, alongside Rs 200 million invested by India for a rail link from Raxaul, enabling direct import via train.

Managed by the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB), the port operates under a five-year contract with India’s Pristine Valley Dryport worth Rs 3.33 billion, expiring this fiscal year.

The Dry Port Customs Office reported revenue collection of Rs 41.18 billion in the first ten months of the current fiscal year.

Meanwhile, the 115-bigha ICP is run by TRS Himalayan Logistic Park Pvt. Ltd. under a five-year agreement with Birgunj Customs, paying Rs 1.81 billion in fees.