India, Nepal hold talks on Joint Working Group on cross-border railway links
Kathmandu, June 13
India and Nepal held the 10th Project Steering Committee and the 8th Joint Working Group meetings from June 11-12 in Kathmandu, to review implementation of ongoing cross-border railway links and overall bilateral cooperation in the railway sector, as per a statement by the Indian Embassy in Nepal.
Both sides on Friday discussed the ongoing implementation of the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge railway lines between India and Nepal, being developed with grant assistance from the Government of India.
The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the commencement of passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section, the Final Location Survey (FLS) Report of Raxaul-Kathmandu Broad Gauge Railway Link, technical support for the East-West Railway Link, and additional railway links were also discussed, the statement said.
Both sides agreed to continue the close engagement for further strengthening cooperation in the railway sector.
Earlier in February last year, India and Nepal held the 9th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the 7th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings from 27-28 February 2025 in New Delhi, to review the implementation of ongoing cross-border railway links and overall bilateral cooperation in the railway sector.
The Indian delegation was led by Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (DPA-III), Ministry of External Affairs and JWG by Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight), Ministry of Railways; the Nepali side was led by Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, for both meetings.
Both sides discussed the ongoing works of Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad gauge railway lines between India and Nepal, being developed with grant assistance from India, as per the MEA.
The preparedness for the commencement of work on the remaining sections of the two railway lines i.e. from Bijalpura to Bardibas on Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Nepal Custom Yard to Biratnagar on Jogbani-Biratnagar was also reviewed. 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, as per the statement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone living near the border, I'm happy about these developments. But I wish they'd also focus on smaller stations and local connectivity for daily commuters. Not just big ticket projects! 🤔
India's grant assistance for these rail projects is a smart move - strengthens ties and boosts regional trade. The East-West Railway Link in Nepal could really transform their economy. 👏
Interesting to see India's infrastructure influence in Nepal growing. The SOPs for passenger services on Janakpur-Ayodhya section are crucial - cultural connectivity alongside economic benefits. Hoping for timely execution without bureaucratic delays.
While I support cross-border cooperation, I hope these projects don't get stuck in endless meetings like we've seen before. The 10th PSC and 8th JWG shows how many rounds it takes - let's see actual ground breaking soon. 💪
Really excited about the Bijalpura-Bardibas section completion! This will connect Bihar's heartland with Nepal's eastern regions seamlessly. Also, good to see Indian Railways leadership directly involved. 🇮🇳🚂🇳🇵
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