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

Grand Maritime Welcome in Sri Vijaya Puram as INSV Neelkanth Concludes 700 NM Ocean Passage

Sri Vijaya Puram — Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Neelkanth was accorded a ceremonial maritime…

1 month ago

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as 29th Chief of the Air Staff

NEW DELHI — The Government of India has officially named Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM,…

1 month ago

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Launches India’s First Indigenous Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’ at HSL Visakhapatnam

VISAKHAPATNAM — In a major push toward indigenous defence manufacturing and naval capability, Defence Minister…

1 month ago

MoD Inks ₹661.50 Crore Deal for BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers to Arm Indian Navy Warships

In a decisive move to strengthen indigenous naval combat power, the Ministry of Defence (MoD)…

1 month ago

France’s Rafale adds laser-guided rockets to counter Shahed-type drones

France has developed a new, lower-cost anti-drone option for its Rafale fighter jets after operational…

2 months ago

High-Seas Takedown: Indian Coast Guard Seizes ₹3,000-Crore Narcotics Cache in Arabian Sea Drama

In a joint intelligence-driven operation west of Lakshadweep, authorities intercepted an Iranian dhow, arrested five…

2 months ago

This website uses cookies.