New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Motihari-Amlekhganj (Nepal) petroleum pipeline through video conferencing. It is the first-ever cross border petroleum pipeline in South Asia.

Modi called the project "a symbol of our bilateral relations". He reiterated that it will help to enhance the security of the region and "substantially cut down on transit costs".

This will ensure environment-friendly supply of petroleum products to Nepal. The total length of the pipeline is 69 kms.

It was built in just little over a year at the cost of Rs 350 crore, the cost entirely borne by the Indian oil Corporation, an Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSU).

Speaking on the occasion, Modi recalled the earthquake of 2015 that devastated Nepal and expressed happiness at the fact how the Himalayan nation has moved on ever since.

He also reaffirmed India's commitment to helping Nepal for the developmental works according to its priorities.