New Integrated Checkpoint at Nepalgunj to Boost Trade and Curb Smuggling

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari inaugurated a new Integrated Customs Checkpoint (ICP) at the Nepal-India border in Jamunaha, Nepalgunj today, promising enhanced trade facilitation and stronger measures against smuggling.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Bhandari highlighted that the checkpoint’s operation would streamline trade between Nepal and India, while also significantly reducing illegal cross-border activities. “The ICP will ensure more efficient trade management and also help increase internal revenue by curbing smuggling and illegal imports,” Bhandari said.

The Nepalgunj ICP, which officially started operations today, is part of a bilateral project agreed upon 18 years ago. The foundation stone was laid by then Home Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, in January 2019, with construction commencing on 22 September 2020. Built at a cost of approximately 2.75 billion rupees, the facilities are mirrored on both sides of the border, with the Nepalese land provided by the Government of Nepal and construction handled by the Government of India.

The ICP was inaugurated remotely by Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on 1 June 2023. Customs officer Dhrubaraj Bishwakarma confirmed that the customs operations commenced following today’s inaugural event by Minister Bhandari.

The new customs facility is expected to play a critical role in fostering a secure and efficient trade environment between the two neighboring nations.