Essential goods supply to Nepal hit as Raxaul ICP shut

Birgunj (Nepal): National Highway-28B, which connects Raxaul in Bihar to Kathmandu, has been completely blocked since Monday, bringing business activities to a standstill at the India-Nepal border.

The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Raxaul has stopped the entry of cargo-laden trucks from third countries into Nepal, with both entry gates sealed.

Around 600 cargo trucks normally enter Nepal daily through these gates. Now, a large number of trucks, tankers, containers, and trawlers are stranded at various points along the highway, choking the supply of essential goods to Nepal.

A customs officer in Birgunj said Nepal could face a severe shortage of essential supplies within a day or two if the border remains closed. Trucks carrying fruits, vegetables, salt, fish, potatoes, onions, and other commodities are waiting for the reopening of the ICP gates. The closure follows the imposition of curfew in Birgunj city after violent protests by Gen-Z activists.

Most of the cargo trucks headed to Nepal come from Kolkata and Haldia ports and pass through Raxaul. According to customs sources, nearly 75% of Nepal’s trade is routed through the Raxaul gateway.

Meanwhile, both the Raxaul market in Bihar and Birgunj market in Nepal wore a deserted look on Wednesday, as trade and traffic between the two countries remained completely suspended.