Kathmandu, July 10

The third meeting of the joint working group (JWG) to discuss the operational memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Nepal-India cross-border rail links was held here today.

The third JWG meeting took stock of the progress made in the ongoing two rail link projects — Jayanagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar — and held detailed discussions on requirements for operating train services on completion of the stretches from Jayanagar to Janakpur/Kurtha and Jogbani to Nepal Customs Yard, which are targeted to be completed by October this year.

The JWG underscored the need to work speedily towards identification of requirements for operation of rail services, modalities for operationalisation and finalisation of operational MoU for these rail links, as per a media release issued by the Embassy of India.

Prior to this JWG meeting, the first face-to-face meeting of the joint committee for operationalisation of India-Nepal cross-border rail links was also held here from June 19 to 20.

Today’s JWG meeting was led by Keshab Kumar Sharma, joint secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport from the Nepali side and Manoj Kumar Srivastava, executive director  of traffic transportation/freight at the Ministry of Railways from the Indian side.

The governments of Nepal and India are committed for developing connectivity infrastructure along the Indo-Nepal border, including railway infrastructure to facilitate smooth movement of goods and traffic, increased people to people linkages and strengthen trade, commerce and economic cooperation between the two countries, the release says.

“The start of operation of train services from Jayanagar to Janakpur/Kurtha and Jogbani to Nepal Customs Yard will bring Nepal-India relations to a new height with enhanced people-to-people linkages and better trade and economic activities between the two countries.”