The survey for the railway link between Raxaul in Bihar and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has been completed. The detailed project report (DPR) for this significant railway project will be prepared by January 2026. Once this railway line is operational, it will directly connect Delhi to Kathmandu via train. This connection is expected to significantly enhance transportation and ease travel between India and Nepal.
Raxaul-Kathmandu Link Railway: A Major Infrastructure Project
The link railway between Raxaul, located in Bihar’s East Champaran district, and Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, has made significant progress. The land survey work for the railway line is expected to be completed by this month. Following the survey, the DPR will be prepared, and the tender process for laying the track will begin in January 2026. This project, once completed, will facilitate direct rail connectivity between Delhi and Kathmandu. According to reports, more than 80 percent of the survey work by Konkan Railway has already been completed. The final report is expected to be submitted this month, paving the way for the preparation of the DPR.
The Indian government approved the Raxaul-Kathmandu link railway project in 2021. The railway line will be electrified, and the construction of the track is expected to enhance trade and tourism between India and Nepal. The completion of this project will also improve the overall transportation infrastructure in the region.
Key Features of the Raxaul-Kathmandu Railway Project
The Raxaul-Kathmandu railway project will consist of 13 stations. According to the initial survey conducted in 2023, the project was estimated to cost around 25,000 crores. However, with the preparation of the final DPR, the cost of the project is expected to increase. The project aims to connect Raxaul, a significant border town in Bihar, to Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital. The proposed rail route will make it easier for people to travel between the two countries, significantly reducing travel time.
One of the major benefits of this railway project is the reduction in travel time. Currently, it takes more than five hours to cover the distance between Raxaul and Kathmandu via road. However, with the new rail line, this distance will be covered in just two to three hours. The existing railway line already connects Delhi to Raxaul, which means that the addition of the new railway line will ensure a direct train service between Delhi and Kathmandu.
Importance of the Raxaul-Kathmandu Railway Link
The Raxaul-Kathmandu railway link has been an important part of the transportation vision for India and Nepal. The government of India, in collaboration with Nepal, initiated discussions regarding this project in 2022. The project will not only facilitate easier and faster travel but will also strengthen bilateral relations between India and Nepal. A direct train service between Delhi and Kathmandu will provide a convenient option for travelers and is expected to boost tourism between the two countries.
In addition to passenger benefits, the railway line is expected to have a positive impact on trade and economic relations between India and Nepal. The ease of transportation of goods and services will help both nations expand their economic ties. The infrastructure project will also create numerous job opportunities, enhancing economic growth in the region.
Economic and Strategic Benefits of the Project
The Raxaul-Kathmandu railway link is expected to have multiple economic and strategic advantages. The direct rail service between India and Nepal will likely improve cross-border trade and tourism, both of which play a key role in the economies of both nations. This railway connection will help in the transportation of goods like agricultural products, raw materials, and other essentials, making it easier and cheaper to move goods across the border.
Tourism will also benefit significantly from the new rail link. Kathmandu, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites, attracts many Indian tourists every year. The direct rail connection will make it easier for Indian tourists to visit Nepal, thereby boosting Nepal’s tourism industry. Similarly, Nepalese people traveling to India for education, business, or tourism will also benefit from the new rail connection.
The project is also strategically important. By improving connectivity between the two countries, the railway line will further strengthen India’s geopolitical position in the region. It will enhance cooperation with Nepal and help build better ties with neighboring countries.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The electrification of the railway line is a significant step toward sustainability. By using electricity instead of fossil fuels, the project will reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner environment. Additionally, the development of a rail network will help reduce road congestion and minimize the environmental impact of road transport. The construction of the railway line will also encourage the use of public transport, which is more eco-friendly compared to personal vehicles.
The Raxaul-Kathmandu railway link is set to transform travel between India and Nepal. Once operational, it will not only reduce travel time but will also create new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. With the preparation of the DPR in January 2026, the project is moving forward at a promising pace. This rail link is poised to strengthen the long-standing relationship between India and Nepal, fostering cooperation and mutual growth.
In the coming years, the Raxaul-Kathmandu rail line will serve as a vital corridor, connecting the two neighboring nations and bringing them closer together. It is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, benefitting people, businesses, and governments alike. As the project progresses, both India and Nepal stand to gain from this monumental infrastructure development.
