the bilateral relationship between India and Nepal to new heights and resolving their border issues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his confidence in taking the bilateral relationship between India and Nepal to new heights and resolving their border issues. Following discussions with Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, several initiatives were announced by both sides.
These initiatives included the inaugural run of an Indian railway cargo train from Bathnaha in India to Nepal Customs Yard, as well as the inauguration of Integrated Customs Check Posts (ICPs) at Nepalgunj in Nepal and Rupaidiha in India.
During the bilateral talks, PM Modi stated, “We will continue working towards elevating our bilateral ties to the heights of the Himalayas. In this context, we are committed to resolving all our bilateral issues, including boundary matters.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, took to Twitter to announce the new initiatives that were undertaken during the virtual ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Nepal.
These initiatives aimed to enhance cross-border connectivity and facilitate the flow of people, goods, and energy.
The initiatives announced were as follows:
- Handing over of the Kurtha-Bijalpura section of the railway line.
- Inaugural run of an Indian railway cargo train from Bathnaha in India to Nepal Customs Yard.
- Inauguration of Integrated Customs Check Posts (ICPs) at Nepalgunj in Nepal and Rupaidiha in India.
- Groundbreaking ceremony of Integrated Customs Check Posts (ICPs) at Bhairahawa in Nepal and Sonauli in India.
- Groundbreaking ceremony of phase-II facilities under the Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline.
- Groundbreaking ceremony of the Indian portion of the Gorakhpur-Bhutwal Transmission Line.
During his address, PM Modi reminisced about his first visit to Nepal in 2014, within three months of assuming office in his first term. He expressed his vision of building strong ties with Nepal, where borders would not act as barriers.
He referred to his formula for successful bilateral ties, which comprised highways, e-ways, and transways.
PM Modi stated, “PM Prachanda and I have taken significant steps to make our partnership a resounding success, leading to the conclusion of the transit agreement. We have also facilitated the opening of new railway routes for the people of Nepal, along with arrangements for inland waterway benefits.”
Furthermore, PM Modi proposed expediting work on the Ramayan circuit, emphasizing the longstanding religious and cultural ties between India and Nepal. He mentioned that he and PM Dahal agreed to fast-track the Ramayan circuit programs.
The virtual inauguration of the railway from Bathnaha in India to Budhnagar in Nepal took place with PM Modi and his Nepalese counterpart jointly raising green flags at Hyderabad House. While the Indian side bid farewell to the cargo rail from Bathnaha, Nepali government officials awaited its arrival at Budhnagar.
Entrepreneurs and industrialists in the Koshi Province had been urging the government to facilitate cargo transportation up to the Integrated Customs Check Post in Biratnagar from Bathnaha.
The 8-kilometer railway line had undergone previous operational testing and was tested once again on Wednesday before commencing operations.