India-Nepal trade gets boost as first direct freight train reaches Biratnagar
The 40-wagon train carried 1,225 tonnes of canola and cut border transshipment under a revised India-Nepal rail transit protocol.
- On July 23, Indian Railways completed the first direct commercial container freight train journey from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard, Nepal, carrying 1,225 tonnes of canola in 40 wagons.
- This milestone follows the November 2025 signing of a revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, which enables seamless end-to-end rail transportation and eliminates the need for transshipment at the border.
- By eliminating transshipment, the service reduces transit time and logistics costs, building upon the broad-gauge rail link inaugurated in June 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
- Indian Railways noted the milestone reflects a "continued focus on expanding international rail connectivity," enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness of trade between India and Nepal.
- The transit treaty also extends to corridors connecting Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to Nautanwa, representing a shift toward smarter, integrated cross-border trade and reinforcing India's regional connectivity commitment.
21 Articles
21 Articles
India-Nepal trade gets boost as first direct freight train reaches Biratnagar
India and Nepal have made strides in trade with the commencement of a direct commercial container freight train service connecting Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard. The first train carried forty tank wagons filled with canola oil, marking a crucial development that promises to slash transit durations and reduce logistics costs. This collaboration is a testament to their growing economic union.
Indian Railways launches first direct freight service to Nepal: Kolkata-Biratnagar train speeds up bilateral trade
Indian Railways launched the first direct container freight train from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar, Nepal, cutting transit time, reducing costs, and boosting cross-border trade efficiency under the revised rail protocol.
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Yoo Chang-yeop = The first direct freight train connecting India and Nepal has begun operation.
India's first direct commercial container freight train reaches Nepal, opening new chapter in cross-border trade and connectivity
The Indian Railways on Tuesday achieved a major milestone in strengthening India-Nepal freight connectivity with the successful operation of the first-ever direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard, Nepal.
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