Nepal, India Amend Transit Treaty Protocol to Allow All Types of Cargo Transport

Nepal and India have amended the protocol to the Transit Treaty, enabling the transport of all types of cargo from Indian ports and border points to Nepal.

Following the amendment, cargo can now be transported through Kolkata and Visakhapatnam ports, as well as via Jogbani to Biratnagar and Nautanwa-Sunauli checkpoint up to Bhairahawa, according to Jitendra Basnet, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.

He said the revised protocol is expected to reduce both transit costs and time for Nepal and significantly facilitate trade.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha met with India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Thursday. On the occasion, the two sides formally exchanged the amended protocol to the Transit Treaty.

Earlier, only four categories of bulk goods were allowed to be transported by rail through the two border points. With the new amendment, all types of cargo can now be moved via both rail and road routes, Basnet added.

According to the ministry, the two ministers also held detailed discussions on bilateral trade, transit arrangements, trade infrastructure development, and investment promotion.

Minister Sinha emphasized the need to simplify the certification process to promote smoother trade and transit between the two countries.

He also praised India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, noting that enhanced cooperation and coordination are essential to strengthen bilateral trade, transit, and investment promotion in line with that policy.

Minister Goyal said Nepal remains a country of special priority for India and instructed officials of both sides to expedite the ongoing discussions and reach early conclusions on the matters raised.

Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar Sharma, and senior officials from the relevant ministries of both countries were present at the meeting. -- RSS