First direct freight train to Biratnagar opens new India-Nepal chapter

• Indian Railways successfully operated the first-ever direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Nepal’s Biratnagar Customs Yard.

• It marks a new chapter in rail-based cross-border freight movement.

• The train comprised 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola.

• The milestone 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 countries.

• The successful operation enables direct rail movement of containerised cargo from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without transshipment at the border. 

• The new arrangement is expected to substantially reduce transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while improving the efficiency, reliability and competitiveness of cross-border trade between the two neighbouring countries.

• The achievement builds upon the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal), inaugurated in June 2023.

• Following the signing of the revised Letter of Exchange (LoE) in November 2025, direct commercial rail movement to Biratnagar has now become operational, opening new opportunities for bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

• The direct freight service is expected to provide a significant boost to the movement of import and export cargo by offering a faster, more economical and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation.

• By reducing multiple handling points and improving supply chain efficiency, the initiative will benefit exporters, importers, logistics operators and industries engaged in cross-border trade.