KATHMANDU, JUNE 1

In a significant stride towards reinforcing bilateral ties, the official visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to India witnessed the launch of pivotal projects and the exchange of crucial memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the two nations. This visit has fortified connectivity and cooperation, fostering a promising future for Nepal-India relations.

Under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India handed over the newly constructed Kurtha-Bijalpura railway line to Nepal, marking a milestone in enhancing connectivity between the two countries. This railway line is poised to facilitate seamless movement of people and goods, fostering greater economic integration.

Inaugurating an Indian railway cargo train from Bathnaha, India, to the Nepal Customs Yard, both nations initiated a new rail link constructed through Indian grants. This development is expected to expedite trade operations and logistics, laying the foundation for efficient cross-border commerce.

The official inauguration of the Integrated Checkposts at Nepalgunj (Nepal) and Rupaidiha (India) has streamlined the movement of goods and people while ensuring efficient customs clearance.

Simultaneously, the foundation stones for Integrated Checkposts at Bhairahawa (Nepal) and Sonauli (India) were laid, initiating crucial border infrastructure projects that will further strengthen trade and connectivity.

Underscoring the commitment to energy cooperation, the groundbreaking ceremony for phase-II facilities under the Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline and the Gorakhpur-Butwal Transmission Line took place. These initiatives, undertaken jointly by the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and respective governments, will boost power connectivity and facilitate energy exchange between Nepal and India.

The Treaty of Transit, Cooperation in Petroleum Infrastructure, Infrastructure Development at Dodhara Chandani Check Post, collaboration between educational institutions, and cross-border payments were among the key areas of cooperation that witnessed the signing of agreements during the PM's visit to the southern neighbour.

A version of this article appears in the print on June 2, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.