A joint survey between Bangladesh and Nepal under the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) to find the potential road route will begin on December 5, officials said.
They said both the countries agreed to conduct the survey from Kathmandu and the date has been fixed after India gave green signal as the route would cross the territory of the neighbouring country.
Though the BBIN motor vehicle agreement (MVA) is yet to be operational pending ratification by one member country, the officials of Bangladesh and Nepal want to make some progress.
"BBIN is now a reality, so we want to launch seamless movement of vehicles on the surveyed route soon after the BBIN is effective with the ratification by Bhutan," said an official preferring to remain unnamed.
He said the route through Panitanki-Kakorvita of India and Nepal border and Fulbari-Shiliguri of Bangladesh and Indian border has been fixed.
A trial run of motor vehicles through roads of four BBIN countries were completed after transport ministers of four signatory countries signed MVA on June 15, 2015. Bangladesh and India have also completed some trial runs of passenger bus and cargo vehicles within their boundaries.
The officials said after the route survey to be conducted by government officials, a trial run of vehicle between Bangladesh and Nepal will be conducted.
They said officials representing ministries of road, home and foreign and the revenue board will conduct the survey.
The survey will identify the conditions of the road, length and necessary to build new infrastructure, including fuel stations.
The BBIN motor deal was signed after similar measures to establish seamless movement of vehicles under the SAARC failed.
The Asian Development Bank, which has so far provided support for making the BBIN motor agreement functional, also continued its support in conducting the survey between Bangladesh and Nepal.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
