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India-Nepal Railway Connectivity Project

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This article is about India Nepal Railway Connectivity Project. For India Nepal relations, see India-Nepal relations.
India-Nepal Railway Connectivity Project
Mission statement"To develop better connectivity for both the countries by rail"
Type of projectRail transport
OwnerGovernment of India Government of Nepal
FounderIndia and Nepal
Country India and    Nepal
MinistryMinistry of External Affairs
Established2017; 8 years ago (2017)
StatusActive
Websitewww.mea.gov.in
www.mea.gov.np
India Nepal Connectivity Project
Map indicating locations of India and Nepal

India
Nepal

The India-Nepal Railway Connectivity Project is a collaborative initiative between India and Nepal aimed at enhancing rail connectivity between the two neighboring countries. The project is designed to facilitate trade, tourism, and regional integration by improving cross-border transportation infrastructure.[1] Several railway links are planned or under development under this initiative, including the Jaynagar–Bardibas Railway, Raxaul–Kathmandu Railway, Jogbani–Biratnagar Railway, and New Jalpaiguri–Kakarbhitta Railway.[2][3]

The Indian government is playing a major role in funding and executing these projects, primarily through IRCON International, a subsidiary of Indian Railways.[4] Nepal's railway operations are overseen by the Nepal Railway Company.

Background

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Main article: India–Nepal relations

Historically, India and Nepal shared multiple railway links under the India Nepal Friendship Treaty, some operational since the early 20th century. However, many of these routes became inactive over time. In recent years, both governments have prioritized the revival and expansion of cross-border railways to enhance economic and social ties.[5] However, after India's independence and Nepal's transition from monarchy to democracy, several of these routes became inactive or discontinued due to infrastructure decay and policy changes.

Recognizing the importance of modernizing rail connectivity, India and Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding in 2018 to revive and expand cross-border railway links.[6]

Key Railway Projects

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Main articles: Jaynagar–Bardibas railway line and Raxaul–Kathmandu railway line
Nepali train standing on Janakpuri railway station part of Jaynagar–Bardibas railway line.

Jaynagar–Bardibas railway line

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The Jaynagar–Bardibas railway[7][8] is a key railway link connecting Jaynagar in Bihar, India, to Bardibas in Nepal.[9][10][11]

Stations between Jaynagar to Bijalpura:[12]

  • Jaynagar (India)
  • Inarwan (Nepal)
  • Khajuri (Halt)
  • Baidehi
  • Parbaha
  • Janakpurdham
  • Kurtha
  • Khutta Pipradhi
  • Loharpatti
  • Singyahi
  • Bhangaha (formerly Bijalpura)

The project is being developed in multiple phases:

  • Phase 1 (Jaynagar–Kurtha, 34 km) was inaugurated in 2022
  • Phase 2 (Kurtha–Bijalpura, 17 km) is under development
  • Phase 3 (Bijalpura–Bardibas, 17 km) is planned for future expansion

Raxaul–Kathmandu railway line

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The Raxaul–Kathmandu railway[13] is a proposed cross-border rail project connecting Raxaul (Bihar, India) with Kathmandu (Nepal). India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2018 for feasibility studies, with the project expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities.[14]

Jogbani–Biratnagar railway line

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The Jogbani–Biratnagar railway line[15] is another key railway link aimed at boosting trade and passenger connectivity.

  • Phase 1 (8 km from Jogbani to Biratnagar) is under construction
  • Phase 2 (further expansion towards Nepal's interior regions) is planned

New Jalpaiguri–Kakarbhitta railway line

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The New Jalpaiguri–Kakarbhitta railway line[16] is a proposed railway project to link New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) with Kakarbhitta (Nepal). It aims to enhance connectivity between eastern Nepal and India's northeastern states.

Strategic importance

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Since, Nepal's largest trade partner is India,[17] the India Nepal Railways Connectivity Project will:

  • Strengthen economic ties by facilitating trade and transportation.
  • Improve tourism by making travel between India and Nepal more convenient.
  • Enhance regional integration by connecting Nepal with India's broader railway network.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ministry of External Affairs". MEA.
  2. ^ "India plans rail tracks through Nepal to bypass Chicken's Neck". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  3. ^ "Rail Link between Nepal and India". Drishti IAS. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  4. ^ "Rail Link between Nepal and India". Drishti IAS. Retrieved 2025-04-13.
  5. ^ "रेलवे बन रहा भारत-नेपाल संबंधों की कड़ी, जयनगर-जनकपुर विस्तारित रेल लाइन पर रविवार से शुरू होगी सेवा - India Nepal Railway Network Railway is becoming the link of India Nepal relations rail service will start from Sunday on Jaynagar Janakpur extended rail line". Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  6. ^ "Nepal-India sign MoU for Kathmandu-Raxaul railway link". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  7. ^ Thakur, Rajesh Kumar (2023-08-13). "Railways planning five new lines along Nepal, Bangladesh borders". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  8. ^ "Cross-border rail link between Nepal and India becomes operational". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  9. ^ PTI (2025-03-05). "India, Nepal take stock of implementation of key cross-border railway projects". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  10. ^ "जनकपुर-जयनगर रेल्वे ट्रयाकको परीक्षण सम्पन्न, सञ्चालन हुने टुंगो छैन" [The Janakpur-Jayanagar railway track has been tested, the operation is not yet finished]. Farakdhar || Nepal's Online Magazine (in Nepali). Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  11. ^ "India – Nepal broad gauge passenger train service launched". Railway Gazette International. 5 April 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Explained: First Broad Gauge Passenger Train Between India And Nepal". India Times. 10 April 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  13. ^ "Nepal to raise its concerns about the DPR of Raxaul-Kathmandu railway". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  14. ^ "Embassy of India Kathmandu, Nepal". www.indembkathmandu.gov.in. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  15. ^ "Nepal तक जाने को बेताब Indian Railway, जोगबनी-विराटनगर प्रोजेक्ट तैयार, काडमांडू से दिल्ली तक हलचल". Navbharat Times (in Hindi). Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  16. ^ "India, Nepal to construct new railway link for smooth people-to-people transit". ANI News. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
  17. ^ "Trade and Commerce". New Delhi, India - Embassy of Nepal. 2025-03-25. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
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