Indo-Nepal Trade: First Direct Freight Train from India Reaches Nepal
New Delhi/Jogbani, 28th July 2026: Indian Railways has commenced the first direct commercial container freight train service from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal, marking the operational rollout of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol.
The inaugural freight train, comprising 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola, completed its journey from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard without requiring transhipment at the India-Nepal border.
The direct rail service has been introduced following the implementation of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, which enables seamless end-to-end rail movement of containerised cargo between the two countries. The arrangement is expected to reduce transit time, lower logistics costs and minimise cargo handling during cross-border transportation.
The service builds on the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani (Araria district) in Bihar and Biratnagar in Nepal, which was inaugurated in June 2023. Direct commercial freight operations became possible after the revised Letter of Exchange between India and Nepal was signed in November 2025.
According to Indian Railways, the new freight corridor is expected to facilitate the movement of both import and export cargo by providing a direct rail-based transport option. The elimination of border transshipment is aimed at improving supply chain efficiency and streamlining logistics for businesses engaged in bilateral trade.
The development is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to expand international freight connectivity and strengthen cross-border rail logistics with neighbouring countries through improved transport infrastructure.
