Kolkata-Biratnagar Rail Cargo Service Opens, Promising Cheaper, Faster Trade for Nepal

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the first-ever rail cargo service from Kolkata to Biratnagar will ease business between Nepal and India. Joint Secretary Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri stated during a press briefing that the service, which began on July 17 under the Nepal-India Transit Treaty, is expected to reduce trade costs, improve safety and reliability, and speed up import times.

The service marks a major milestone by extending direct rail access beyond Birgunj for the first time. Under the amended protocol, all types of goods—both containerized and bulk cargo—can now be transported by rail to the Biratnagar Integrated Check Post and Nautanwa near Bhairahawa. Previously, only coal, clinker, cement, and fertilizer could be shipped by rail from third countries.

Nepal’s overseas trade primarily routes through the ports of Kolkata, Haldia, and Visakhapatnam. The new rail link is expected to reduce delay charges, container detention fees, and additional road transport costs, ultimately strengthening the competitiveness of Nepali industrialists. India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, with a trade deficit of NRs 846.51 billion in the last fiscal year.

Article and image source: bangladeshsun.com