Parsa, June 4 -- After more than 20 years, the long-awaited expansion of Sirsiya Dry Port in Birgunj-Nepal's first and largest inland trade gateway-has finally begun. The project is backed by an investment of Rs396.9 million and support from the World Bank.

According to Ashish Gajurel, executive director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board, the infrastructure upgrade is part of the World Bank's Strategic Road Connectivity and Trade Improvement Project.

"The project includes construction of a warehouse, expanded parking space, a firefighting system, a weighbridge, restrooms for drivers, and additional facilities," he said. "This expansion is being implemented through a soft loan from the World Bank, which had also finance...