Nepal-India security meeting concludes

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, May 7: A coordination meeting between senior security officials of Nepal and India has been held at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Rupaidiha with the aim of further strengthening border security, managing cross-border movement, improving railway operations, and enhancing bilateral coordination.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) 42nd Battalion, Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF), and India’s Northeast Railway.

According to Armed Police Force Deputy Inspector General Dipendra Kunwar, Chief of the APF Lumbini Province, the discussions focused in detail on border management, facilitation of passenger movement, smooth operation of rail services, and cooperation between security mechanisms.

He said the meeting is part of a regular coordination mechanism held every three months.

SSB 42nd Battalion Commandant Girish Chandra Pandey said the main objective of the meeting was to further strengthen coordination between Nepal and India and make security and service delivery at the border more effective.

The meeting was also attended by SSB DIGs V. Vikraman and Munna Singh, along with senior officials from both countries’ security agencies. Senior Divisional Operations Manager of Indian Railways Anuj Kumar Singh and officials from the transport department were also present.

Following the meeting, officials from both sides conducted a field inspection of the newly constructed Nepalgunj Road Railway Station at Rupaidiha, reviewing its infrastructure, security arrangements, and operational readiness. During the inspection, detailed information was exchanged regarding Nepal–India rail connectivity, extension of Indian railway services up to Nepal, and various infrastructure projects.

Indian Railways Senior Divisional Operations Manager Singh said rail services from Nepalgunj Road are expected to begin by the end of this month, adding that operational issues related to scheduling and management would be addressed as required after the service starts.

The programme was also attended by SSB 42nd Battalion Deputy Commandant Shashi Bhushan, Assistant Commandants Amit Katariya, Sunil Kumar, Shanti, and other security officials, along with Inspector Dhawan Singh, in-charge of Nanpara Railway Police Force, and other personnel.

During the event, officials from both countries expressed commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations by promoting peace, security, mutual cooperation, and eco-friendly initiatives along the border, Commandant Pandey said.