World

Strengthening Rail Links: Highlights from India-Nepal Joint Working Group

India and Nepal held the 9th Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting. They also held the 7th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in New Delhi on February 27-28, 2025. They came together to review the progress of cross-border railway projects. The aim was also to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in the railway sector. The Indian delegation was led by Sh. Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (DPA-III), Ministry of External Affairs, and Sh. Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight), Ministry of Railways. The Nepali side was represented by Mr. Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.

The discussions focused on the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge railway lines, which are being developed with grant assistance from India. Both sides assessed the preparedness for completing the remaining sections—Bijalpura to Bardibas and Nepal Custom Yard to Biratnagar. The Nepali delegation assured full facilitation to ensure the early commencement of these projects.

The Final Location Survey (FLS) Report for the proposed Raxaul-Kathmandu broad-gauge railway line was discussed. Additionally, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for launching passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section were covered. Both sides agreed to strengthen technical collaboration in areas such as capacity building, logistics, and training for Nepali railway personnel.

As part of the discussions, the Nepali delegation visited the Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management (IRITM) in Lucknow. They also went to Ayodhya. The purpose was to assess training facilities for their railway officials.

These meetings reaffirmed India and Nepal’s shared commitment to enhancing cross-border railway connectivity. They facilitate smoother trade and travel. Additionally, they deepen bilateral ties. The continued collaboration in railway infrastructure development reflects the strong partnership between the two neighbouring countries.

Theviralmail

Recent Posts

Rupee Under Siege: Iran Conflict and US-Israel Strikes Fuel Oil Surge, Inflation Fears Grip India

March 2, 2026 | New Delhi – The Indian rupee plunged sharply on Monday. The…

2 months ago

Is BCCI Financial Power Over Powering PCB and BCB?

BCCI's financial muscle shapes global cricket dynamics. It often pressures boards like Pakistan's PCB and…

3 months ago

HAL Pushes Back on IAF Concerns: Ready for Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries?

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently highlighted progress on its Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets via social…

3 months ago

India-US Tariff Cut to 18%: 5 Key Unresolved Questions

U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have revealed a significant drop…

3 months ago

ISRO’s Anvesha Launch: Elevating India’s Space Supremacy

India's space agency ISRO marks 2026's opening with the PSLV-C62 mission. The mission involves deploying…

4 months ago

Trump’s Foreign Policy: Risks and Global Consequences

Trump’s mix of aggressive tariffs, financial deregulation, and confrontational diplomacy is increasing global economic uncertainty…

4 months ago

This website uses cookies.