Nepal has assured India that it will help speed up the work on the remaining parts of two key railway links connecting both countries. These are the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar railway lines, which are being built with financial aid from India.
Talks on Railway Progress
Officials from both countries met in New Delhi on February 27-28. The India-Nepal Project Steering Committee and the Joint Working Group reviewed the railway projects and discussed cooperation in the railway sector.
The main focus was on the progress of the broad-gauge railway lines. Authorities looked at plans to start construction on the unfinished sections from Bijalpura to Bardibas and from the Nepal Custom Yard to Biratnagar. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Nepal’s Commitment
Nepal has promised to provide the necessary support to start and finish the remaining construction as soon as possible. A statement from the ministry said, “The Nepali side assured that necessary facilitation will be provided for early commencement and completion of the work on the remaining sections of the railway lines.”
Enhancing Railway Cooperation
Besides reviewing the railway links, officials also discussed other important railway-related matters. These included:
- The final location survey report for the Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway project.
- The standard operating procedures (SOPs) for launching passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya route.
- Plans for additional railway connections between Nepal and India.
Both countries agreed to enhance technical cooperation. India will provide Nepal with support in areas such as training railway staff, logistical assistance, and capacity building.
Key Officials at the Meeting
India’s delegation included Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (Development Partnership Assistance-III) from the External Affairs Ministry, and Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight) from the Railways Ministry. On Nepal’s side, Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, led the discussions.
Significance of These Railway Links
The Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar railway links are crucial for trade and transportation between India and Nepal. The projects aim to improve connectivity, making it easier for people and goods to move between the two countries. The completion of these railways will boost economic ties and facilitate trade and tourism.
Challenges and Past Delays
Despite steady progress, these railway projects have faced delays. Reasons include land acquisition issues, technical challenges, and logistical hurdles. Nepal’s commitment to facilitating the work is seen as a positive step in ensuring the timely completion of these crucial infrastructure projects.
Both countries continue to work closely to strengthen railway connectivity. With Nepal’s renewed commitment, work on the remaining sections is expected to proceed more efficiently. Future discussions will focus on expanding railway cooperation and ensuring smooth operation once the projects are complete.
For more news updates on Nepal’s infrastructure and cross-border projects, visit Nepal Monitor.
