Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal to sign transport agreement

The Governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal have announced that they will be signing an agreement that will expedite road commute between the four nations.

Called the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement (BBIN MVA), the arrangement will allow vehicles with BBIN MVA permits to ply between any of the four nations. Initially permits will be issued only to commercial vehicles. Private vehicle permits will be issued a little later. This agreement also sets in place strict rules for inspection of cargo at each entry and exit point.

This plan was earlier tabled at a SAARC Summit in 2014, but was cancelled due to objections from a few member nations.

The Government of India approved this plan at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The countries under this scheme will have to implement this cross-border transport plan at their own expense, as per the agreement approved by the four nations.

This plan was finalised between the transport secretaries of the four nations in a preliminary meeting organised by India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in February. The framework is similar to the one agreed upon at the SAARC Summit held in November, 2014.