Chovar Dry Port Commences Operations Two Years After Completion

The long-awaited Chovar Dry Port in Kathmandu has finally commenced its operations after two years of completion, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s trade infrastructure.

At present, the port is bustling with activity, with around two hundred cars awaiting customs clearance. Businessperson Bibhor Kumar Agrawal, among many others, has been frequenting the dry port to facilitate customs procedures for cosmetic goods imported from Italy.

One notable development is the initiation of custom clearance for new vehicles at the Chovar Dry Port, following an agreement reached with the NADA Automobiles Association. This collaboration has attracted businesspersons seeking efficient services at the port.

Nepal, being a landlocked country with no direct access to the sea, heavily relies on dry ports for facilitating trade. Among the 14 dry ports in the country, Chovar Dry Port stands out as the latest and most modern facility, strategically located close to the main market hub.

The dry port offers ample storage space for businesspersons to store their imports, along with internal depots for convenient usage. Equipped with godowns, racks, and unloading/loading equipment, the port ensures efficient handling of consignments. Furthermore, state-of-the-art features such as CCTV surveillance, security personnel, container management systems, and banking services are in place to streamline customs clearance processes.

According to Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director at Chovar Dry Port, the facility has the capacity to accommodate up to 500 containers. However, to fully leverage its potential, an enabling environment must be created to bring imports directly to the port. Currently, imports undergo initial checks at border customs checkpoints before reaching Chovar, leading to logistical challenges for exporters and importers.

Gajurel remains optimistic about the future, citing the forthcoming operation of the expressway as a game-changer. Once operational, the expressway is expected to alleviate existing logistical hurdles and facilitate seamless transportation of goods to and from the Chovar Dry Port.

The commencement of operations at Chovar Dry Port signifies a significant step forward in Nepal’s efforts to enhance trade infrastructure and foster economic growth. As the port becomes fully operational, it is poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating smoother trade transactions and boosting the country’s trade competitiveness on the global stage.