New Delhi, January 17:

Senior government officials of Nepal and India have reached an understanding to build modern integrated security posts in Birgunj, Nepal and Raxaul. The secretary-level meeting that began today held discussions on preparing a detailed project report and other technical issues.

The Nepali team headed by secretary at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works Umakant Jha includes director-general at the customs department Laxman Pokharel, joint secretary at the Finance Ministry Krishna Gyawali, joint secretaries Surya Silwal, Prakash Kharel, Kamal Pandey, Om Upadhyaya, director-general of the Department of Roads Tulsi Prasad Sitaula and under-secretary at the Foreign Ministry Pradyumna Shah.

The posts to be built with Indian assistance will cost INRs 2.6 billion. "We will pay almost Rs 150 million for around 71 hectares of land in Birgunj," secretary Jha told this daily today. The notice was also issued for land acquisition in Bhairahawa and Biratnagar, which are in second priority, he said.

"The posts will be equipped with customs, immigration, security cells, including bank, restaurant and quarantine. Construction of the posts will be completed in two years," said joint secretary Kamal Pandey. CCTVs will be installed around the ICPs, he said. "The measure is for embracing uniformity," Pandey said. "We are considering initiating construction work at the earliest and the Indian side is also interested," he said. The Indian side is led by secretary in-charge of border management in the Union Home Ministry UN Panjiyar. The meeting will conclude tomorrow.