Nepal
2.3.1 Nepal Major Border Crossing of Kakarbhitta
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Aerial view of Border crossing with 1. Immigration Office of kakarbhitta, (2) Mechi Customs Office, (3) Mechi Bridge

Overview

Kakarbhitta is the eastern terminus of Nepal's east-west Mahendra Highway at the country's eastern border with Darjeeling District, West Bengal state, India. The Panitanki neighborhood of Naxalbari is on the other side. It is an open border for Nepali / Indian foot traffic, up to 10,000 people per day. The construction work of 690 meters long open foundation bridge has been completed. The width of the new bridge is 22 meters. Roads are good on both sides of the border. The road to Calcutta is good. Imports from India account for 90% of the traffic at this border crossing. Customs can process up to 150-200 trucks a day.

Kakarbhitta is the 7th largest border crossing point, with 2.72% share of total import value (ref: Dept of Customs, 2019/20).

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing

Mechi Customs Office (Nepal)

Pantanki Land Custom Station (India)

Province or District

Province 1, Jhapa district

Nearest Town or City

Mechi (adjacent)

Bhadrapur (18 km) 

Latitude

26.64611

Longitude

88.15777

Managing Authority/Agency

Immigration Office, Mechi Customs Office

Customs Office Contact

Dhruba Raj Bishwakarma

Tel: 023-562004 

Mob: 9852662036

Immigration Contact Person

Mr. Ram Prasad Fyual, Immigration Officer

Mobile no. +977-9852674913
Tel: 023-562054
Fax: 023-563569

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport

Baghdogra, India
Distance: 32 km (Truck: 45 minutes, car: 30 minutes)

Nearest Port

Calcutta Port, India
Distance: 623 km
Truck: 15 hours (trucks must travel by night)
Car: 10 hours

Nearest Major Market

Silguri, India
Distance: 42 km ( truck: 1 hour, car: 45 minutes)

Other Information


The market is 10 km from Baghdogra Airport. It is very large–it takes 1 hour to travel from the fringes to the centre of the market. Roads to the markets are good with fuel stations on the route.

Hours of Operation

Mondays

Trucks/Goods: 10:00 – 18:00
Passengers: 06:00 – 22:00

Tuesdays

Trucks/Goods: 10:00 – 18:00
Passengers: 06:00 – 22:00

Wednesdays

Trucks/Goods: 10:00 – 18:00
Passengers: 06:00 – 22:00

Thursdays

Trucks/Goods: 10:00 – 18:00
Passengers: 06:00 – 22:00

Fridays

Trucks/Goods: 10:00 – 18:00
Passengers: 06:00 – 22:00

Saturdays

Trucks/Goods: 10:00 – 18:00
Passengers: 06:00 – 22:00
Note: Closed 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month

Sundays

Trucks/Goods: 10:00 – 18:00
Passengers: 06:00 – 22:00
Note: India Border closed Sunday
Bangladesh border closed Friday 

National Holidays

Generally, 3 days during Dashain (Nepal national festival) and up to another 7 days / year at Government’s discretion.
Note: Will open 24 / 7 for emergencies 

Seasonal Constraints

 None

Daily Capacity

  • Maximum trucks:  150-200 / day
  • Daily average:  80-90 trucks / day
  • Operating hours can be extended to 06:00-22:00 for exceptionally high truck traffic if required
  • Average clearing time: 2½ hours / truck
  • There is rarely a backlog. All trucks are cleared daily.

Customs Clearance

For information on Nepal customs, please see the following link: 1.3 Nepal Customs Information.

Other Relevant Information

  • Foot traffic is mixed with vehicles on the bridge and may present logistics safety issues.
  • The bridge (approx. 400 m) is the only access between border posts and if damaged would present logistical problems. A new bridge is under construction and was inaugurated in January 2019.

For more information on government agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Nepal Government Contact List.



Truck parking and shade storage.

Government owned warehouse storage with capacity of 1,395 m2.


Mechi bridge and river.


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