Kathmandu, Mar 3: Home Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka inaugurated a fuel station newly built in the premises of the Police Headquarters amid a function this evening.

The “Police Welfare Trust Petrol Pump” that was constructed by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) at the cost of about 20 million rupees is said to the first fuel station equipped with modern facilities in Nepal, the IOC officials said. “The world class retail outlet consists of multi-product digital dispensing pumps that ensure speedier service.”

Minister Khadka in his inaugural speech said that the project was “small but beautiful,” which could a landmark in the history of Nepal-India relationship and mutual co-operation. “The construction of the station by IOC is evident that we have prospects of bilateral co-operation in development activities and people’s welfare,” he said.

He lauded the Police Welfare Trust (PWT) for carrying out activities for the welfare of the family of police personnel who lost their lives while fulfilling their responsibilities.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal K. V. Rajan said that although the project was a small one, it could be extended and diversified in response to people’s need. Stating that the construction of the station was a beginning of such assistance, he said, “A lot more can be done.”

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Achyut Krishna Kharel thanked IOC for the construction of the oil station that would provide services round the clock and said that he expected further help of this kind.

Additional IGP Ram Kaji Bantawa shed lights on various activities being carried out by PWT in the areas of education and health with a view to help the family of the economically underprivileged police persons.

IOC Marketing Director O. N. Marwaha gave a detailed description of the newly built fuel outlet and said that they had been in dialogue with Nepal Oil Corporation about setting petroleum pipeline from India’s Raxaul to Nepal’s Amlekhgunj to reduce transportation cost.

IOC had been supplying its petroleum products to Nepal for last three decades, he said. “IOC will continue to lay considerable emphasis on Nepal in its future investment plans and this outlet which has been built as per exacting international standards is an example of that commitment,” he added.