Leased lands by Nepal in Kolkata and Haldia ports remain largely unused

Kathmandu: Nepal has been paying Rs 560,000 per month for lands leased at Kolkata and Haldia ports, which remain largely unused. The problem has arisen due to poor management by the Nepal Transit and Warehousing Company Limited, responsible for a 4,850-square-foot warehouse at Kolkata port. The lease at Kolkata has now ended.

At Haldia port, 8,985 square feet of leased land is lying idle. Though it could be used to store coal and other materials, vehicles are parked haphazardly, limiting storage space. The port manager said the port has suggested exchanging the land, but no decision has been made. Nepal pays INR 300,000 monthly for the Haldia land.

Nepal’s Consular General in Kolkata, Jhakka Prasad Acharya, said the leased lands should be used commercially. If not, the transport agreement may need revision to find a workable solution. He added that large-scale infrastructure is not feasible within the port areas, but management responsibilities should at least be assigned to ensure rent is paid.