The nation’s second largest Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Biratnagar is officially coming into operation from today with India handing over the infrastructure to Nepal.
As per Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board, a government body under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will remotely inaugurate the new ICP at the Biratnagar-Jogbani transit point today.
Navaraj Dhakal, executive director of the board said, “As all necessary infrastructures have been built, India is handing over the ICP to Nepal.”
“Similar to the Birgunj ICP, the ICP in Biratnagar will also support railway-based cargo movement up to Nepali land from the Indian seaports.” he stated, adding that India, for the reason, has constructed railway track till Katihar of Nepal.
Biratnagar ICP, which is a shared structure at the bordering point of two countries, is considered an important facility for trade logistics. It offers a common platform for traders to get customs clearance of any traded products. The ICP likewise offers administrations like immigration, banking, quarantine, warehouse, litigation, and parking yard under single roof, facilitating both importers and exporters.
As per the board, the newly constructed ICP consists of eight buildings incorporating administrative works, dispensary, customs clearance system and security system. Furthermore, the infrastructure also features four inspection towers, two warehouses, two import-export processing area and two weighing machines that can measure loads of up to 80 tons.
The ICP in Biratnagar-Jogbani is the second ICP along the Nepal-India border. It is an Indian grant project constructed with an estimated budget of Rs 1.82 billion. Nepal’s first ICP at Birgunj-Raxaul border is in operation since April 7, 2018.
