Experts from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport have started a feasibility study in Nawalparasi to operate ships in Narayani river.

On February 14, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated ‘Nepal Ship Office’, taking concrete steps towards operating ships in Nepal’s rivers. A committee has been formed to study the feasibility of transportation of goods using waterways of India. The committee, led by Madhav Belbase, joint secretary of the Water and Energy Commission, includes representatives from energy and irrigation; physical infrastructure and transport; industry, commerce and supplies; and foreign ministries.

India has started works to bring ships to Gandak after preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). On Monday, a 17-member team led by Belbase and an Indian technician team led by Prawir Pandey conducted a field inspection at Tribeni. Belbase said that the team has plans to construct a terminal near Thokar Number-12 below Tribeni barrage and also near Kawasoti area. The team conducted a field inspection in Gandak barrage and its vicinity.

According to Belbase, the team will also conduct a feasibility study in Koshi barrage area next week. After conducting feasibility study in Narayani and Koshi rivers, the team will prepare a report in Kathmandu.

Nepal and India had agreed to develop inland waterways from Indian ports to Nepali border during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s state visit to India on April, 2018. After the deal, the two sides held one round of meeting in Kathmandu and decided to prepare the feasibility study before exploring the possibility of developing waterways, particularly from Haldiya to the Nepal border.

A technical team comprising government officials have started the feasibility study for developing inland waterways from Indian sea ports to the Nepal border via Koshi and Narayani rivers. The feasibility report will lead to further study on the possibility of movement of cargo ships from Indian sea ports to the Nepal border via the two biggest rivers of Nepal, authorities say.