NICCI suggests including air cargo in multimodal transport

Kathmandu, Aug 2

Nepal India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) has suggested Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB) to bring the transportation via air under intermodal transport.

In a meeting with the Executive Director of the Board Ashish Gajurel at its secretariat, NICCI's Vice-president Sunil KC made a point to include all forms of goods transportation in multimodal transport.

The bilateral chamber of commerce recommended to include Nepali construction entrepreneurs in the development and operation of new and under-construction dry ports and set standards to facilitate such inclusion. "Especially, Nepali entrepreneurs should be provided with opportunity to operate the Kathmandu Dry Port in Chobhar and Chandani Dodhara Inland Clearance Depot (ICD). The board should think about creating opportunities for Nepali entrepreneurs in these facilities," read a letter submitted to the NITDB by NICCI.

It also recommended formulating policies and plans to create world-class warehouses, logistics parks and semi-logistic parks.

It has suggested the review of insurance compensation provision for the goods lost in India as per the Indian Railway Act. "The provision guarantees Rs. 50 per kilo for the goods lost which is very low and impractical. It is less than the customs duty of the same good, so many traders do not make any claim in case their cargo is lost," NICCI said. "The board must start initiative to increase the compensation money for the lost goods."

Likewise, it made a call to pay attention to rake, bulk rake, and liquid cargo in addition to the current practice of container cargo. Separate space should be provided for the dust and dirty cargo at the dry ports.

In response to the suggestions of NICCI, Gajurel said that the Board currently had three priorities: completing the Kathmandu Dry Port and start its operation, start the construction work at Chandani Dodhara ICP and upgrade the Board to the Authority or establish it as a regulatory body of the sector.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 3 August 2021.