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

Khaleda Zia’s Son Return Looms as Yunus Faces Heat

The core question remains whether Rahman can provide leadership in politically turbulent times in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News Speculation is mounting in Bangladesh over the possible return of Tarique Rahman, son of

India Eyes Top 5 Spot in Global Entertainment

With focused investments, policy support, and infrastructural upgrades, India is on track to position itself as one of the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030…reports Asian Lite News Fueled by

Pakistan on the Brink: War, Weakness, Woes

The reason behind growing anxiety and consternation in Islamabad is the depleting reserves of its military’s artillery and ammunition and also a ruined economy…reports Asian Lite News As the tensions between India

UAE Reopens Doors to Lebanon

The prime minister expressed Lebanon’s “utmost gratitude and appreciation to the UAE” and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan….reports Asian Lite News Lebanon welcomed the decision by the United Arab Emirates
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India, Australia agree to boost two-way investment

Goyal and Farrell reaffirmed the importance of the multilateral trading

New Airstrip, Jetty: Mauritius PM Thanks India’s ‘Far Reaching’ Support

Jugnauth said that the setting up of the facilities of