There was no provision under Nepal-India Treaty of Transit allowing import of third country motor vehicles transiting India to be moved on their own power.  Accordingly, such vehicles were allowed transportation under the Treaty only by railway wagons and trucks/trailers after proper sealing by Indian Customs.  Government of Nepal had requested to allow movement of vehicles on their own power citing the requirements of additional handling facilities, special carriers and equipment needed, which added to the cost and time of clearance of vehicles from Kolkata port into Nepal.  The matter was also discussed between the Government of Nepal and the Government of India in the third meeting of Nepal-India Joint Commission held in Kathmandu on 25-26 July, 2014.  As per the understanding reached between the two Governments the Letter of Exchange has now been finalised by both sides allowing movement of third country vehicles destined to Nepal through Indian territory on their own power.

According to a press release issued by Indian Embassy, the movement of vehicles on their own power to Nepal has been allowed through Raxaul-Birgunj, Jogbani-Biratnagar, Sunauli-Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj Road-Nepalgunj border points.