Birgunj, December 12

Importers complained that they were compelled to pay huge amounts in fine as the authorities concerned did not manage a crane to load and unload goods at the dry port in Birgunj.

Importers said necessary equipment for loading and unloading had not been kept at the dry port even though it had been in operation for the last 20 years.

Chairman Ashok Kumar Baidhya of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry said importers were compelled to pay fine due to negligence on the part of Himalayan Terminal Private Limited.

“Importers have to face further problems as dry port operators have not been able to expand the area,” he added. Baidhya said Indian Railway and operator of the dry port should pay the fines imposed upon traders.

Importers said they had to pay millions of rupees in fine. They said it directly affected the price of readymade materials.

Vice Chairman Kashiraj Upadhaya of Federation of Nepal Customs Agent said they had been facing difficulty loading and unloading heavy materials like iron and others due to lack of crane.

Senior Officer at the Himalayan Terminal Finance Department Animesh Kumar Karna said the problems occurred mainly due to confusion regarding plans to expand the area for cargo operation. He added that the dry port had all necessary technical infrastructure.