India makes entry permit mandatory for Nepali vehicles

Beginning from Monday, Nepali vehicles wishing to enter Indian territory will be required to obtain a permit, an Indian official said citing security considerations for the development.

Talking to journalists in Birgunj, Kamalesh Kumar, additional commissioner at the Indian customs office, said those who enter India without a permit will have to pay a fine or his/her vehicle may be confiscated.

This new provision will be implemented at the Raxaul-Birgunj border entry point -- which sees 70 percent of the total business between the two countries -- and 23 other trading points.

As per the new rule, Nepali drivers would be required to obtain a one-day pass to enter India.

They would be allowed to travel up to three km, while specified entry points would be assigned for them.

Anyone wishing to stay longer in India can obtain permits from the Consulate General in Birgunj or the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

Under various bilateral treaties, Nepali vehicles could earlier move freely through all Nepal-India border entry points and needed no permission.

The Indian decision has already been communicated to the Nepali authorities.

Kamalesh Kumar said all one-day passes will be issued free of cost and they will display information about the vehicles.