Indian Railways has successfully operated India’s first direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard, Nepal, under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol. The new service eliminates border transshipment, reducing transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while strengthening bilateral trade and regional connectivity.
Key Highlights
- India’s first direct commercial container freight train reaches Biratnagar, Nepal.
- 40-wagon train carrying canola operates from Kolkata Port under the revised rail transit protocol.
- Direct rail service eliminates border transshipment, reducing logistics costs and transit time.
- Initiative strengthens India-Nepal trade, cross-border connectivity and supply chain efficiency.
New Delhi, July 28: Indian Railways has achieved a historic milestone by operating the first-ever direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal, marking a significant advancement in cross-border rail connectivity between the two countries. The 40-wagon freight train, carrying a consignment of canola, completed its journey under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, enabling seamless movement of containerised cargo without the need for transshipment at the international border. The development is expected to transform bilateral freight transportation by making cargo movement faster, more efficient and cost-effective.
The new direct rail freight service allows containers to travel from Kolkata Port directly to Biratnagar Customs Yard, eliminating multiple handling points that previously increased transit time and logistics expenses. By reducing cargo transfers at the border, the initiative will significantly improve supply chain efficiency, lower transportation costs and enhance the reliability of freight movement. The service is expected to benefit exporters, importers, logistics companies and industries engaged in India-Nepal trade by providing a faster and more competitive transportation option.
The milestone builds upon the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal), which was inaugurated in June 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then Prime Minister of Nepal. The operationalisation of direct commercial freight services became possible after the signing of the revised Letter of Exchange (LoE) in November 2025, paving the way for seamless rail-based cargo movement under the updated India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol. The enhanced framework is expected to promote stronger economic cooperation and facilitate greater trade volumes between the two neighbouring countries.
The launch of the direct container freight service reflects Indian Railways’ continued efforts to modernise freight logistics, expand international rail connectivity and support the Government’s vision of improving the ease of doing business. Increased use of rail transport will not only reduce logistics costs and improve cargo reliability but also promote environmentally sustainable transportation by shifting freight from road to rail. The initiative is expected to strengthen regional economic integration while contributing to India’s broader objective of developing a modern, efficient and globally connected freight transportation network.
The successful operation of India’s first direct commercial container freight train to Nepal marks a landmark achievement in regional connectivity. By enabling seamless rail-based cargo movement between Kolkata Port and Biratnagar, the initiative is set to boost bilateral trade, reduce logistics costs and reinforce India’s role in strengthening cross-border transport infrastructure.
