The first phase of the broad gauge rail link between India and Nepal-the Jaynagar -Kurtha section (34.90 km)- has been completed. According to an Indian Railways’ statement on Saturday, the line is likely to be extended by 17 km up to Bijalpura in Nepal by March 2021.
This section is a part of the 68.72 km Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas BG rail project which has entirely been funded by Government of India. As on date, the Centre has spent about Rs 550 crore for the section up to Bijalpura.
After Bijalpura, a new line will be constructed till Bardibas after Government of Nepal hands over land for the project. Jaynagar is 4 Km from the India-Nepal border. This route has Janakpur, the famous pilgrim centre in Nepal which is 29 Kms from Jaynagar.
This project is being done by IRCON and all rail engineering and infrastructure works are complete. To operate rail service on this route, 2 sets of 1600 HP DEMU passenger rakes have been supplied by Konkan Rail Corporation Limited (KRCL). These 2 DEMU rakes have 2 AC coaches each apart from non-AC coaches.
These 2 rakes were handed over to Nepal on 18th September, 2020. This will be the first broad gauge passenger rail service in Nepal. Prior to this a narrow gauge service was running between Jaynagar and Janakpur operated by Nepal Railway until 2014.
IR will share its know-how with Nepal Railway Company besides sharing operations and maintenance processes and train their officials.A draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for starting passenger train operations has already been shared with Nepal by Government of India.
Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) is likely to run the operations and maintenance of this line and hand it over to Nepal Railway Company once the latter is able to operate on its own.Both Nepal and India are working together to start rail service between Jaynagar and Kurtha soon after finishing the necessary technical and operational requirements.