July 19, 2023
2 mins read

Cross-border rail project bolsters India-Nepal ties

It is part of a series of connectivity projects by India and Nepal, and attempts to enhance physical connectivity between the two, towards India’s Neighbourhood First policy…reports Asian Lite News

India-Nepal cross-border rail connectivity has received a further boost with operations commencing on the Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section of the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas cross-border rail line. Jaynagar is located in the Indian state of Bihar, about 4 km from the border with Nepal.

Nepal’s Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala inaugurated operations on Sunday (July 16, 2023) during a ceremony held at Bijalpura. Political leaders from Madhesh Pradesh, officials from the Government of Nepal, and the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu were present at the event.

This section of the rail line covers 17.3 km, stretching across the stations of Kurtha, Pipradi, Loharpatti, Singyahi, and Bijalpura in Nepal. This construction is happening under the grant assistance of INR 783.83 Crores by the Government of India. The formal handover of this section to Nepal took place in June 2023 during the India visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

This is the second phase of the 68.72 km Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas broad gauge cross-border rail line project. The first phase, between Jaynagar (in Madhubani district, Bihar) and Kurtha (in Nepal) was inaugurated in April 2022. The Jaynagar-Kurtha section has eight stations, Jaynagar, Inarwa (on the border), Khajuri, Mahinathpur, Baidehi, Parwaha, Janakpur, and Kurtha.

The land acquisition for the third phase from Bijalpura to Bardibas is currently ongoing. Till 2014, a narrow gauge rail service was running between Jaynagar and Janakpur.

Jwala thanked the Government of India for its support in Nepal’s development endeavours, and highlighted that the rail connectivity boosts people-to-people linkages and enhances tourism in Nepal. Prasanna Shrivastava highlighted the commitment of the Government of India toward the development partnership between the two countries.

This project aims to bring reliable, affordable and fast transportation to new areas in Nepal. It is part of a series of connectivity projects by India and Nepal, and attempts to enhance physical connectivity between the two, towards the Government of India’s Neighbourhood First policy. (India News Network)

ALSO READ: Dhaka to launch 3 infra projects during Hasina’s India visit

Previous Story

Mirziyoyev’s re-election heralds closer India-Uzbek ties

Next Story

India gifts ambulances, school buses to Nepal

Latest from -Top News

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Blinken may travel to India for Raisina Dialogue

This will be the third annual leaders’ summit of Quad

Explosions rock Nepal ahead of polls

One person is injured in the incident in Bhojpur District..reports