September 20: Industrialists of the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor have become hopeful of better production after the government eased the prohibitory order, allowing public transportation and opening markets.

With the removal of restrictions, import through Birgunj customs point has also increased.

Chief of the BIrgunj-based Integrated Check Post (ICP) Gopal Khatri confirmed that the import through Birgunj has increased.

“The import has increased after the government lifted ban on transportation. Around 600 vehicles get customs clearance on a daily basis now,” said Khatri.

During normal days, around 700 cargo vehicles enter Nepal through this customs point, informed Khatri. However, during the lockdown period, around 15- to 450 vehicles used to enter Nepal per day.

“Import of goods for the festive season and new automobiles has increased,” added Khatri.

With the festive season just around the corner and the government lifting restrictions, chairman of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce Gopal Kedia expects a major boost in economic activities.

“The situation is better than before. But still the market can remain open for a limited period only. Customers haven’t shown up as expected. But we are hopeful that our business will pick up pace as the festive season is approaching,” says Kedia.

The district administration has allowed the market place in Birgunj to open from 11 am to 4 pm.

“Industrial activities have obviously started increasing after the restrictions on transportation were lifted and the market started opening,” says Babulal Chachan, chairman of Chachan Group. “However, it will take some time for the business activities to return to normalcy as the market has been badly affected by six months of restrictions,” he added.

Production of more than 1000 industries in the corridor has been badly affected by the four-month lockdown and the subsequent prohibitory order.