India and Nepal have taken another significant step forward in neighborhood connectivity by concluding high-level talks focused on expanding and streamlining cross-border broad-gauge railway links.
The 10th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings took place from June 11–12 in Kathmandu. Backed by grant assistance from the Government of India, these bilateral discussions tracked the logistical and technical progress of key transit routes designed to bolster trade, tourism, and regional integration.
Status Check on Key Rail Corridors
The bilateral talks focused on evaluating current progress and clearing ground for upcoming extensions on several vital routes:
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Jaynagar–Bijalpura–Bardibas Link: Progress was reviewed for this critical line, with a special emphasis on initiating work on the final, remaining leg connecting Bijalpura to Bardibas.
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Jogbani–Biratnagar Link: Delegations analyzed operational readiness for the remaining stretch between the Nepal Custom Yard and Biratnagar. The Nepali delegation assured India that local administrative facilitation would be prioritized to expedite construction.
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Raxaul–Kathmandu Link: Both nations reviewed the Final Location Survey (FLS) report for this highly anticipated, direct broad-gauge connection linking the Indian border to Nepal’s capital.
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Janakpur–Ayodhya Section: The committee discussed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) required to officially commence passenger train operations on this culturally significant route.
Administrative Coordination: The collaborative meetings followed the framework established during the previous rounds held in New Delhi. To ensure seamless execution, the delegations brought together senior diplomats and transport experts from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Railways alongside Nepal’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
Moving forward, both neighbors have agreed to maintain tight, continuous bureaucratic engagement. Nepal’s commitment to swiftly resolving local land and logistical bottlenecks is expected to pave the way for early completion of these transformative regional transit networks.
