Kathmandu. A new chapter has been added in the rail connectivity between Nepal and India. Nepal’s first direct commercial container freight train from India has recently completed its journey.
According to a report in Navbharat Times, the train was carrying canola oil in 40 containers. Last week, the train travelled from Kolkata port to Biratnagar customs yard in Nepal.
The new arrangement is expected to significantly reduce transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling time, India’s Ministry of Railways said in a statement. It will also improve the efficiency, reliability and competitiveness of cross-border trade.
The broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani and Biratnagar came into operation in June 2023.
According to the ministry, direct commercial train service has started in Biratnagar after the signing of the amended Memorandum of Exchange (LOE) in November 2025. The ministry believes that this will open up new opportunities for bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Currently, goods between the two countries are transported by trucks. This direct freight train service is expected to significantly increase the movement of import and export cargo. Because it is a fast, cheap and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. This reduces a lot of handling points. This improves the efficiency of the supply chain.
