German container carrier Hapag-Lloyd will deploy a new Nepal-India inland freight service.
A new link running from the Inland Container Depot (ICD) Birgunj, Nepal, to Indian ports Kolkata and Visakhapatnam aims to offer greater flexibility and reliability for regional shippers.
Sudhir Sudhakaran, Inland Steering Manager Area India, commented that by expanding its presence in the hinterland bordering eastern India, the firm is able to capitalise on the booming import-heavy niche market.
The rail connection is a regular service, offering greater reliability for planning than previous road arrangements.
Customers additionally will be able to receive a Through B/L and can directly take delivery of cargo in Nepal.
“The partner we have chosen in Nepal is the ICD operator and now runs a private railroad, which ensures us access to infrastructure and strengthens our ability to deliver quality to our customers,” the company added.
Customers can book their cargo up to ICD Birgunj with the choice of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam as gateway ports.
ICD Birgunj is spread over 100 acres of land. ICD Birgunj is the only dry port in Nepal connected by rail to gateway ports and has six rail sidings. Rail connections are available from Visakhapatnam and Kolkata ports to ICD Birgunj, transport is on carrier haulage basis.
