Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 28: Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone in strengthening freight connectivity with Nepal by operating the first direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard.
The train, comprising 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola, completed its journey under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, marking a significant step in cross-border rail freight movement, the Railway Ministry said on Tuesday.
The ministry said the direct service enables containerised cargo to move from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without transshipment at the border, reducing transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while improving the efficiency and reliability of cross-border trade.
The initiative has been made possible through the implementation of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, which facilitates seamless end-to-end rail transportation of freight between the two neighbouring countries.
The development builds on the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal, inaugurated in June 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Following the signing of the revised Letter of Exchange in November 2025, direct commercial rail movement to Biratnagar has now become operational, opening new opportunities for bilateral trade and economic cooperation, the ministry said.
The direct freight service is expected to boost import and export cargo movement by providing a faster, more economical and environmentally sustainable mode of transport.
The ministry said the initiative would benefit exporters, importers, logistics operators and industries involved in cross-border trade by reducing multiple handling points and improving supply chain efficiency.
It added that increased rail-based freight movement would help lower logistics costs, improve cargo reliability and promote greener transportation while strengthening economic ties between India and Nepal.
The milestone also reflects Indian Railways' continued focus on expanding international rail connectivity, strengthening freight logistics and supporting the Union government's vision of improving ease of doing business through modern transport infrastructure.