India-Nepal Rail Link

In News

• The rail link between Nepal and India is ready to resume on the neighbouring country’s first-ever broad gauge passenger service.
  • Nepal has been asked to start operations preferably by this year.
• It remained shut for years but will now be seen again- in a new avatar.

India-Nepal Rail Link

• In 1937, the British had built a narrow-gauge line to ferry cargo, mainly logs, from Nepal to India. 
  • However, over time it became a popular passenger service before it was stopped in 2014 for conversion to broad gauge.
• India decided to carry out the entire gauge conversion work, including trains to operate on the link in 3 phases.
  • The first stretch is a 34-km line between Bihar’s Jayanagar and Nepal’s Kurtha. 
    • In between these two lies the Hindu pilgrimage city of Janakpur Dham.
  •  The second stretch of 17 km from Kurtha to Bijalpura is also getting the finishing touches.
  • For the remaining portion up to Bardibas, the land is being handed over to IRCON.
• The construction cost of Rs 784 crore for the entire stretch is being borne by India in the form of a grant to Nepal.
• The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited has got the contract for operations and maintenance of the line.
  • It will train and develop manpower provided by Nepal, as per the bilateral understanding.
• Nepal has been asked to start operations preferably by this year. 
  • It has been stressed by us that early operations will avoid the deterioration of assets.

Significance of the Project

• India Nepal close cultural linkages:
  • The link represents the fact that India and Nepal always had close cultural links.
  • Madhesis of Terai Region have a Relation of Roti-Beti with adjoining India.
• Connectivity to the pilgrimage site of Janakpur:
  • Janakpur is considered the birthplace of Mata Sita, who is one of the most divine deities of Hinduism.
  • Hence it also has religious sentiments attached to it.
• Countering Chinese Influence:
  • It will also counter Chinese influence by Track 2 and Track 3 diplomacy by increasing inter-country movements.
• Inauguration of the first commercial rail service in Nepal by India:
  • It is also a matter of pride to complete a project in a foreign jurisdiction.
  • It shows the competence of Indian Companies after partial success at Chabahar Port.
• Possibility of next project:
  • Earlier in Oct 2021, the India-Nepal Joint Working Group signed an agreement for a final location survey for another broad gauge line between Bihar’s Raxaul and Kathmandu.
    • When done, it will be a hill railway that will direct rail connectivity between Nepal’s capital city and the Indian network.
    • It will open multiple avenues for cross-border movement.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• It is one of the great opportunities for India to win back Nepal and ensure an integrated and united South Asia.
• In accordance with Gujral Doctrine, India must keep on strengthening such ties.

Source: IE