India’s railways successfully run the first direct commercial container freight train to Nepal, linking Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard. The train carries a consignment of canola in 40 wagons and completes the journey under the revised India–Nepal Rail Transit Protocol. The movement is described as “direct” because it allows rail cargo to cross without transshipment at the border, using the updated transit framework. The development follows earlier rail connectivity steps, including the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal, inaugurated in June 2023. According to reports, the revised arrangements became effective after the signing of a revised Letter of Exchange (LoE) in November 2025. The initiative is expected to cut transit time and logistics costs by reducing cargo handling and improving the efficiency of cross-border freight operations. The Northeast Frontier Railway is presented as the main operating entity, with the service intended to strengthen India–Nepal trade by enabling more reliable and streamlined rail freight between the two countries.
India operates first direct commercial container freight train to Nepal from Kolkata
India’s railways successfully run the first direct commercial container freight train to Nepal, linking Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard. The train carries a consignment of canola in 40 wagons...
- A first direct commercial container freight train runs from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal.
- The train carries canola in 40 wagons and completes the trip under the revised India–Nepal Rail Transit Protocol.
- The revised framework enables direct rail movement without transshipment at the India–Nepal border.
- The service follows the Jogbani–Biratnagar broad-gauge rail link inaugurated in June 2023.
- The revised arrangements are linked to a Letter of Exchange signed in November 2025.
The historic movement marks the operationalisation of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol and opens a new chapter in cross-border freight transportation.
1 hour agoIn a landmark achievement for India–Nepal rail connectivity, the first-ever direct commercial container freight train, comprising 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola, successfully completed its journey from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal recently. The historic movement marks the operationalisation of the revised India–Nepal Rail Transit Protocol and opens a new chapter in cross-border freight transportation. The train operated seamlessly under the revised transit framework, allowing direct rail movement of bulk cargo from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without transshipment at the border. This is expected to significantly reduce transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while improving trade efficiency between the two neighbouring countries. The achievement builds upon the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal) inaugurated in June 2023 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and the former Prime Minister of Nepal. Following the signing of the revised Letter of Exchange (LoE) in November 2025, direct commercial rail movement to Nepal has now become a reality. This milestone highlights the growing role of Northeast Frontier Railway in strengthening international rail connectivity and facilitating seamless cross-border trade. The initiative is expected to boost bilateral commerce, improve logistics efficiency and further reinforce India's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through modern railway infrastructure. Building on this historic achievement, NFR will continue to strengthen cross-border rail connectivity, enhance freight logistics and support the growing trade and economic partnership between India and Nepal through efficient, reliable and customer focused railway services.
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