India’s first-ever direct commercial container freight train has reached Nepal, marking a major milestone in rail-based trade connectivity between the two countries.
According to the Railway Ministry, the train carried 40 wagons loaded with canola and completed its journey under the updated India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol. The service allows containerised cargo to move directly from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without the need for transshipment at the border.
The new freight route is expected to reduce transportation time, lower logistics costs, and minimise cargo handling during cross-border movement. It will also improve the efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness of trade between India and Nepal.
The Ministry said the direct rail service will provide exporters and importers with a faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation option. By reducing multiple handling points and strengthening supply chain operations, the initiative is expected to benefit businesses, logistics companies, and industries involved in bilateral trade.
