Indian Railways starts first direct Kolkata Port-Biratnagar freight train
Indian Railways has operated the first direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Nepal's Biratnagar Customs Yard, in a move the Railway Ministry
Indian Railways has operated the first direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Nepal's Biratnagar Customs Yard, in a move the Railway Ministry said marks a new phase in cross-border rail cargo movement. According to a ministry press note, the train had 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola and completed the journey under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol. The ministry said the operation allows direct rail movement of containerised cargo from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without transshipment at the border. Read Full Story "The train, comprising 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola, completed its journey under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, marking a new chapter in rail-based cross-border freight movement," the press note said.
It added, "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." Officials said the milestone was made possible through the implementation of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, which provides seamless end-to-end rail transportation of freight between the two countries. They said it builds on the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal, which was inaugurated in June 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his then Nepalese counterpart.
Following the signing of the revised Letter of Exchange 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," the press note said. The ministry said the move would help exporters, importers, logistics operators and industries involved in cross-border trade by cutting multiple handling points and improving supply chain efficiency. Officials said the development also reflects Indian Railways' focus on expanding international rail connectivity, strengthening freight logistics and supporting the government's push to improve ease of doing business through modern transport infrastructure.
The BriefWire