The open border Between Nepal and India is due to an agreement of a bilateral Indo-Nepal treaty of peace and friendship signed in 1950. This policy has allowed the free movement of people, goods, and services between two countries without requiring a visa or permit. The open border between India and Nepal is 1,751 km (1,088.02 mi) long, and the major checkpoint/ crossing points include Sunauli-Bhairahawa, Birgunj-Raxaul, Jogbani-Biratnagar and others.
The open border between the two nations is an example of mutual trust and cooperation. However, the countries have a border dispute over Kalapani territory and Susta. Moreover, the border starts with China near Limpuyadhura, west of the western tripoint.
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Border Regions for Nepal and India
Nepal shares a border with five states of India, including Bihar, Sikkim, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Here are the major border regions for Nepal and India:
Biratnagar-Jogbani
Biratnagar-Jogbani is an Indo-Nepal border and the most critical point between the countries. It connects Biratnagar with Jogbani village, a small town in Bihar, India. Thousand of people cross the border daily for various purposes, including work, shopping, and visits.
Birgunj-Raxaul
Birgunj-Raxaul is another important and busiest border. It connects Nepal’s central trade hub, Birgunj, with a bustling town in Bihar, Raxaul. The border handles a large portion of Nepal’s imports and exports. One of the major challenges between the borders is illegal activities, including smuggling and unregulated trade.
Kakarvitta-Panitanki
Located in the eastern region of both Nepal and India, the Kakarvitta-Panitanki is one of the prominent border points. The border connects Kakarvitta, a town in the Jhapa district, with Panitanki, a small village in West Bengal. The border is crucial for exporting Nepali products, including tea, rice, ginger, and cardamom. Kakarvitta-Panitanki provides access to the major commercial hub, Siliguri, in Northeast India. Moreover, a river with a bridge connection marks the border.
Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha
The Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha border connects Nepalgunj, a city in the Banke district of Nepal, with Rupaidiha, a town in Uttar Pradesh, India. The border supports both countries’ businesses and economies and significantly influences Nepal’s imports and exports.
Places to Visit Near the Nepal-India Border
There are numerous places to visit near the Nepal-India border as the location near the border has many exciting and culturally significant places. Here are some popular places:
Dharchula
One of the beautiful places to visit near the Indo-Nepal border is Dharchula, a town surrounded by snow-capped Panchchuli peaks. One of the major attractions of the city is Manasa Sarovar. Located in Uttarakhand, India, the town is connected to Nepal.
Lumbini
Lumbini is a pilgrimage site in Nepal’s Rupandehi District of Lumbini Province. The city is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha and a visiting destination near the Nepal-India border. The major highlight of Lumbini is the Mayadevi temple, where Lord Buddha was born. Numerous other temples are built by Buddhist organizations from different countries.
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Located in Sikkim, India, the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary offers spectacular rhododendrons that bloom in April-May. The Sanctuary borders West Bengal and Nepal and lies 3060 meters above the Indo-Nepal border. It occupies 104 km square, where you can witness a variety of rhododendrons and the astonishing view of Mt Kanchenjunga.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a city in the northern region of the Indian state of West Bengal. Situated at 2134m, it is northeast India’s most popular tourist destination. A few hours from the Kakarvitta border, it is famous for its tea gardens and Himalayan views. The city’s major attractions are Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Janakpur
In the Terai region of Nepal, Janakpur is the administrative headquarters of the Dhanusa district. The city is known as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, wife of Lord Ram. Janakpur lies near the Jayanagar border that connects Nepal with India. The city’s major attractions are Janaki temple, Ram Sita Vivah Mandap, and traditional Mithila art and culture, ideal destinations for religious enthusiasts.
Economic Prospects for Both Nepal and India
The open border between Nepal and India has economic prospects for both nations. It allows the free movement of goods and services, profiting the country’s business. India is Nepal’s largest trade partner. Agricultural products, free electronic flow, and textiles benefit the local economy on both sides of the border.
The open border has a good impact on tourism, with Indian tourists visiting Nepal’s destinations like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Everest, and others, and Nepalese tourists exploring India’s destinations like New Delhi, Vrindavan, and others. Correspondingly, the open border lets residents of both nations work in each other’s countries, contributing to economic stability and helping the livelihood of citizens. Moreover, the economic opportunities due to open borders are mutually beneficial, offering long-term prosperity.
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Challenges and Problems in the Nepal-India Border
No doubt, the open border between India and China has many advantages, yet it poses some challenges that the countries need to address collaboratively:
- Security: The open border means an unrestricted flow of people from one country to another. However, this can sometimes be exploited for illegal activities like smuggling and human trafficking.
- Border Disputes: The countries have a dispute over areas like Kalapani Limpiyadhura and Susta, causing disagreement between India and Nepal.
- Dependency in India: Nepal heavily relies on India for essential goods, including fuel, kerosene, and other daily useable items, leading to dependency in India. This significantly affects the blockades.
- Weak Border Management: Although there is a border security force on each border in Nepal-India, managing such an open border is quite difficult. Both countries struggle to monitor all activities along the border effectively.
- Imbalance in Economy: Although the Indian markets benefit most Nepalese markets, some argue that the open border impacts local industries in Nepal. The cost of goods bought from the Indian market is relatively lower than that of the Nepalese market, which is why people buy Indian products, discouraging Nepalese products.
How to Cross-Border between Nepal and India
The open border policy makes crossing the border between Nepal and India easy. Residents of both countries can freely travel from one country to another without a visa or passport. Here are the simple steps to cross the border between Nepal and India:
1. Choose a border point
- Five different borders in Nepal connect to India through different points; thus, choose the border closest to where you are staying.
2. Carry necessary documents
- Carry any valid ID card; if you are Indian, carry a voter or Aadhar card.
- If you are Nepali, carry your citizenship or voter card.
- If you are of other nationalities, you must have a visa with a valid passport.
3. Choose a preference mode
- Bus, car, and train are common ways to cross the border between Nepal and India; choose one that fits you.
4. Check customs rule
- Avoid carrying restricted items like drugs and other illegal goods.
How is the security at the border between Nepal and India?
Nepal and India have ensured high security due to their open border systems. The Armed Police Force (APF) is responsible for keeping the border area safe in Nepal. Likewise, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is responsible for security on the Indian side. Security forces from both sides observe illegal activities and solve problems at checkposts.
Security forces work hard to ensure the safety of travelers, locals, and traders. Officials from Nepal and India often meet to discuss how to improve border security, and thus, they fearlessly cross the countries’ borders.
Conclusion
The open Border between Nepal and India is evidence of the countries’ unbreakable relationship. However, the arrangement comes with challenges that both nations must solve in cooperation, strengthening the policy. Besides its cons, its pros are not negligible as they maintain the bond between Nepal and India. From helping both countries’ residents through different ways to helping the countries, the open border benefits both nations.
FAQs
Which cities in Nepal are near the Indian border?
Numerous cities in Nepal lie near the Indian border, serving as gateways for cross-border travel and trade. Kakarvitta in Jhapa district, Birgunj at Parsa Nepalgunj in Banke district, and Mahendranagar in Kanchanpur district are major cities in Nepal that lie close to the Indian border.
Which border is best for entering Nepal from India?
The best border to enter Nepal from India depends on your location. However, the Sunauli border in Uttar Pradesh is the most popular and convenient entry point to Nepal from India.
Is the Nepal border open for Indian vehicles?
Yes, the Nepal border is open for Indian vehicles, but they require a road permit from the border checkpost before entering the country. However, you can take a vehicle to a nearby area for a day without paying customs duty but must return to India on the same day.
What time can we cross the Nepal border?
If you are on foot, you can cross the Nepal border 24/7, but it closes to vehicles at 10 PM and reopens at 6 AM. However, crossing the border early is recommended as it is dangerous to do so late at night.
Are there any restrictions for citizens crossing the border between the two countries?
No, there aren’t any restrictions for citizens crossing the border between the two countries. However, there are some guidelines that people traveling to Nepal should follow. Indian citizens should carry a valid government-issued ID card, can’t participate in political activities, and shouldn’t be involved in any illegal activities.
