Rastriya Samachar Samiti

Birgunj, February 6:

The bilateral cargo transportation service with India from Birgunj-Sirsiya Inland Container Depot (ICD) has failed to begin at the stipulated time due to the lack of customs clearance and processing directives.

As per the railway agreement on the bilateral cargo movement signed between Nepal and India, the cargo transportation services was to begin from February 1. The cargo service has been delayed until further notice, said Sujaya Goswami, chief executive officer of the Himalayan Terminals Pvt Ltd, the company that has taken up the responsibility of operating the dry port.

Only goods imported from the third countries are being transported ever since the dry port came into operation on July 16, 2004.

Goswami said businessmen have been coming for railway booking for transportation of goods, but they have to return empty-handed for lack of clear directives regarding the customs procedures.

The inland container depot has not been able to function to its full capacity as the transportation of the Nepal-India bilateral cargo has not taken place. This means we are facing a loss of Rs 5,000,000, he said. The Nepal government has already set up a systematic customs office with all modern facilities at the premises of the ICD keeping in view the possible increase in the movement of cargo following the start of the bilateral cargo transportation services between Nepal and India.

Similarly, the Indian railways has also stopped transportation of cargo up to Raxaul and instructed to carry out the transportation services through the ICD only.