Lok Sabha Question No. 1901 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-03-07
Subject: Dialogue with Nepal on Infrastructure Development
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KIRTI (JHA) AZAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1901 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.03.2018

## DIALOGUE WITH NEPAL ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

† 1901. SHRI KIRTI AZAD:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has initiated dialogues with Nepal in order to provide support and cooperation in infrastructure development and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the objectives of the said project(s) have been identified so that facilities related to 'Mirror Border' are developed simultaneously;
- (c) if so, the details of the action initiated to rectify the errors and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether any meeting has been held since 2013 to analyse the development of construction of Integrated Check Post (ICP) on Nepal border;
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (f) the details of estimated loss likely to be borne by India since 2014 due to delay in functioning of ICP on India-Nepal border?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) The   Government   of   India   has   ongoing   dialogue   with   the Government   of   Nepal   to   pursue   development   cooperation,   including implementation of infrastructure and connectivity projects in Nepal based on the latter's priorities. Currently, major projects being supported by the Government of India include the development of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at four places along the India-Nepal border, cross-border rail links at five locations, strengthening of road infrastructure in the T erai area of Nepal, river   embankment   works,   a   Dharmashala   at   Pashupati   area   in Kathmandu, Mechi Bridge, and a Polytechnic at Hetauda in Makwanpur district of Nepal. Further, under the concessional Lines-of-Credit of over US$ 1.65 billion extended to the Government of Nepal, a number of infrastructure projects are under implementation in Nepal.
- (b) & (c) The  projects   being   implemented   in   Nepal   with   technicaleconomic support of the Government of India facilitate construction of physical   infrastructure,   enhance   connectivity   and   strengthen   trade, economic cooperation, and people to people linkages between the two

countries.  The objectives of the projects have been identified and the facilities are being developed on both sides of the India-Nepal border, wherever necessary. In the case of ICPs, India is developing appropriate facilities  in   Nepal  at   four  places   along   the   India-Nepal  border.  Regular bilateral meetings have been held to facilitate dialogue among concerned authorities in the Governments of India and Nepal for smooth coordination in implementing the GoI-assisted projects in Nepal. (d) & (e) The Project Steering Committee (PSC) for the development of ICPs   along   the   India-Nepal   border  is   co-chaired   by   Secretary   (Border Management),   Ministry   of   Home   Affairs,   Government   of   India   and Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of Nepal. Since 2013, three meetings of the PSC for the development of ICPs have been held  to   review   progress   in   implementation   of   the   projects. Further, implementation-related issues relating to ICPs and other economic and development   projects   are   discussed   at   the   India-Nepal   Oversight Mechanism (OSM) meetings co-chaired by the Ambassador of India to Nepal and the Foreign Secretary of Nepal. Five meetings of the OSM have been held during 2016-2017. (f) The  border  trade between India and Nepal has been continuing through the existing designated routes.

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