Giving a major boost to India-Nepal trade, Indian Railways has launched the first direct commercial container freight train service between Kolkata Port and the Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal. This marks a significant advancement in cross-border freight transportation between the two countries. A 40-wagon train carrying a consignment of canola completed its journey under the revised India-Nepal rail transit protocol.
With this new service, containerized cargo will be able to move directly from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without requiring transshipment at the border. This is expected to reduce transit time and logistics costs, as well as enhance the overall capacity for cross-border freight transport.
Direct rail service has become possible following the entry into force of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol and the revised Letter of Exchange (LoE) signed in November 2025. This arrangement has enabled seamless end-to-end rail transportation between the two countries, making the movement of goods faster and more reliable.
This development centers on the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani in Bihar and Biratnagar in Nepal, which was inaugurated in June 2023 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and the then Prime Minister of Nepal. With commercial operations now underway, the corridor is expected to boost trade between the two nations by offering exporters, importers, and logistics companies a cost-effective and eco-friendly transport option.
Indian Railways stated that this initiative is part of its broader strategy to enhance international rail connectivity, modernize freight logistics, and foster regional economic integration. This direct freight service is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce cargo handling requirements, and strengthen economic cooperation between India and Nepal.
(PIB)
