The Indian government has broadened the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) for Nepal-bound shipments, enabling cargo movement through additional ports and new rail-road routes. Announced on Tuesday, the move aims to streamline procedures, cut transit time, reduce congestion at major ports, and enhance cargo security, while also supporting India’s growing exports to Nepal.
The GPS-based system allows real-time monitoring of containers, replacing the earlier manual sealing and paperwork process. “The system improves predictability, minimizes delays, and ensures tamper-proof cargo movement. Extending it to more corridors will make logistics faster and more transparent,” said trade economist Abhash Kumar of Delhi University.
Aligned with India’s commitments under the India-Nepal Transit Treaty and the WTO’s trade facilitation agreement, the expansion covers transhipments from Kolkata, Haldia, and Visakhapatnam ports. Cargo can now move to Nepal via multiple rail and road routes, including Birgunj and Biratnagar. The inclusion of Visakhapatnam provides exporters in southern and eastern India alternative gateways, easing congestion on the Kolkata-Birgunj route. The decision follows a 16.6% year-on-year drop in exports to Nepal in September amid domestic unrest and political changes there.
