Memorandum Submitted to Manager Over Parking Fees and Operational Issues
Rupaidha, Bahraich: Truck drivers and Customs House Agents (CHAs) registered strong protest on Sunday after parking charges were increased at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Rupaidiha on the India–Nepal border. From early morning, hundreds of Nepal-bound trucks, tankers and containers remained lined up on the LPAI road, refusing to enter the ICP premises in protest.
According to CHA, the cargo parking fee has been revised from 15 November. Earlier, the charges were valid for 48 hours, but the validity has now been reduced to 24 hours, effectively doubling the cost for transporters. They demand that the previous structure be restored to avoid burdening traders.
Customs House Clearing Agents Haseeb Ahmad, Dheeraj Kumar Giri, Ram Kohli, Tarun Sharma and Narendra Kumar, along with others, submitted a memorandum to the LPAI Manager. The memorandum stated that if the charges are not rolled back, traders may shift their cargo movement to Gaurifanta, Sonauli or Barhni border points — which could severely affect import–export activity at Rupaidiha. They emphasized that ICP facilities are not meant to drive away trade but to promote ease of doing business.
The memorandum also pointed out several operational issues at the ICP:
Internet connectivity remains frequently disrupted,
Trucks are charged additional fees if stuck due to delays,
No functional canteen and inadequate drinking water facilities,
No electricity in the Customs Cargo Section,
No warehouse available in the export section.
A copy of the memorandum has also been submitted to the Superintendent of Customs, Rupaidiha.
Responding to the concerns, Sudhir Sharma, Regional Manager, LPAI, said the canteen has been closed for two months but drinking water is available. He added, “The 20% increase in parking charges has been implemented as per the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs. I have no authority to alter it.”
Meanwhile, Clearing Agent Vijay Jaiswal clarified that petroleum tankers heading to Nepal will not be affected. “Nepal Oil Corporation has assured that it will bear the applicable charges. Petroleum tankers may be cleared accordingly,” he said.
