Chobhar Dry Port has started the operation of its domestic terminal from Sunday. The first and only dry port in the country away from any border point had come into operation on 5 April 2022. But as the inflow of containers was not on a part with expectation, the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB), an agency under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) and manager of the port, has decided to divide it into two parts to operate domestic service as well.
The domestic terminal has parking facility for 150 trucks and containers parking capacity, warehouse of 54 X 54 square metres, vehicle weighing facility for up to 80 tonnes, load/unload sheds, and restrooms for drivers and workers.
The NITDB said that vehicles can enter and use the terminal without paying any fee. Likewise, facilities such as parking of vehicles, loading/unloading of goods, storage of goods, and other facilities will be available at a minimal fee.
“It will end the situation where the exporters have to stop their vehicles on the roadside and pay warehouse fees at a high price. They will have parking, load-unload and warehouse facility at a reasonable rate,” said the Board.
Executive Director of the NITDB, Ashish Gajurel, said that due to the lack of business-related physical infrastructure in Kathmandu, there is a problem in logistics management, so the Board has initiated the service to facilitate importers/exporters through a one-door system for facilitating trade.
Construction of the dry port had begun in August 2018 and was completed in July 2021. It has 65,000 square metres space, enough to accommodate 500 containers and 500 trucks. It has facilities like quarantine, security, operator company office, banks and other essential services, three warehouses, three appraisal shades, stuffing and de-stuffing shade, weighing machines, electricity sub-station, and boundary light. Trucks and containers can directly reach the facility to clear customs and other works like quarantine.
Source : TRN,
