India launches first direct commercial freight train to Nepal from Kolkata | Today’s news
In a landmark achievement for rail connectivity between India and Nepal, the first-ever direct commercial container freight train with 40 wagons carrying a consignment of rapeseed recently completed its journey from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal.
The historic move marks the commissioning of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transport Protocol and opens a new chapter in cross-border freight transport.
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, CPRO Northeast Frontier Railway, said the train operated smoothly under the revised transit framework, allowing direct rail movement of bulk cargo from Kolkata port to Biratnagar without transshipment at the border.
“This is expected to significantly reduce transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while improving the efficiency of trade between the two neighboring countries. The success builds on the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal) inaugurated in June 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister of Nepal. to Nepal has now become a reality,” said Kapinjal Kishore Sharma.
He further said that this milestone highlights the growing role of North East Border Railway in strengthening international rail connectivity and facilitating seamless cross border trade.
“This initiative is expected to boost bilateral trade, improve logistics efficiency and further strengthen India’s commitment to improving regional connectivity through modern rail infrastructure. Building on this historic achievement, NFR will continue to strengthen cross-border rail connectivity, improve freight logistics and support the growing trade and economic partnership between India and Nepal through efficient, reliable and customer-centric rail services,” said Kapinjal Kishore Sharma.
