April 23: The newly established Integrated Customs Point (ICP) in Nepalgunj is set to commence operations within the next two weeks.

This facility, built by India and located at Nepalgunj transit along the Nepal-India border, has already been handed over to Nepal. "Customs services will be available from the newly constructed facility in the next 10-15 days," said Dhruba Raj Bishwakarma, Chief of Nepalgunj Customs Office.

Once operational, the ICP will facilitate the check-pass of containers from the facility. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the facility virtually during Dahal's visit to India (May 31 - June 3, 2023).

 India officially transferred the facility to Nepal on Monday, approximately one year after its inauguration. Spanning across 87 bigha of land (one bigha is equivalent to 6772.63 sq. meters), the land was acquired by the Government of Nepal with support from India.

The ICP encompasses various amenities including customs offices, livestock and plant quarantine facilities, warehouses, food technology, quality control facilities, security barracks, and a bank counter.

The business community in Nepalgunj is eagerly anticipating the launch of ICP services, expecting it to streamline trans-border imports and exports.

 Krishna Prasad Shrestha, former President of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the anticipated convenience for businesses.