The Inter-Tarai Railway Network is a long-awaited initiative that promises to facilitate greater connectivity and enhance the quality of life for millions of Nepalis.
In a nation where road highways suffer from landslides every year, leading to significant transportation delays, the proposal for a railway network connecting Pokhara, Kathmandu and other major cities highlights the urgent need for faster transit solutions. Terms such as "railway", "monorail" and "metro" resurface during election seasons, only to fade away until the next electoral cycle.
This cyclical discussion has captivated politicians and citizens alike, reflecting a shared recognition that a railway system could be a viable alternative to Nepal's inadequate road infrastructure. As the country deals with its mountainous terrain, exploring the feasibility of connecting the hilly and Terai regions with a railway network is essential.
Constructing a railway through Nepal's hilly regions presents formidable challenges due to steep inclines and natural obstacles. While not impossible-India's successful Kalka–Shimla Railway navigates over 100 tunnels and 800 bridges. Such projects are often time-consuming and costly. For example, the financial burden of establishing similar infrastructure in Nepal poses significant hurdles.
An alternative approach could involve the concept of a 'Toy Train', where the railway runs alongside highways. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling, winding through the Eastern Himalayas. However, this model also faces significant limitations in Nepal, where the hilly highways frequently suffer from landslides.
Constructing a railway track next to these disaster-prone highways would require extensive hillside cutting, making it impractical and potentially hazardous. Consequently, pursuing a railway project from Kathmandu to Pokhara or within the hilly regions of Nepal may not be a wise investment of resources.
This brings us to the tarai, where the feasibility of constructing a railway network appears much more promising. Many may not be aware, but Nepal is already working on a significant railway project: the East-West Railway. A key project that will connect the tarai region over approximately 945 kilometers from Kakarbhitta to Kanchanpur. This initiative aims to modernise transportation and stimulate economic growth.
While some sections are under construction, progress is hindered by financial and administrative challenges. The railway is envisioned as a crucial transport corridor to enhance trade and mobility within the tarai, where the flat terrain is more conducive to railway construction compared to hilly regions.
Once completed, the East-West Railway Line (Mechi-Mahakali Railway) will be Nepal's longest railway at 945.244 km, with plans to extend the network to 1,376 km. Initiated in 2007 and overseen by the Department of Railways established in 2011, the project has faced delays due to various challenges.
However, the project has sparked controversy due to its proposed route through Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, raising concerns about wildlife threats and environmental degradation. UNESCO has criticised the route, highlighting the importance of sustainable development practices.
Additionally, when the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track is completed, Nepal's entire tarai region could be connected to the capital city far more quickly and efficiently.
This would significantly reduce pressure on the country's existing roadways. For instance, in the current scenario where the BP Highway is completely closed due to landslides, such a railway and highway network would provide much-needed alternatives.
This would minimise dependency on specific highways and ensure better mobility, even in times of natural disasters or road blockages.
Upon completion of the Inter-Tarai Railway project, Nepal should also focus on establishing short Indo-Nepal railway trips. Given India's robust railway network, there is no need for Nepal to operate its trains extensively within Indian territory.
The Jayanagar–Janakpur Railway exemplifies successful cross-border rail connections. This historic narrow-gauge railway links Jayanagar in India (Bihar) with Janakpur in Nepal, fostering trade, tourism and cultural ties between the two nations.
The line underwent significant upgrades, converting narrow-gauge tracks to broad gauge, enabling modern and faster trains to enhance passenger and freight transport. Nepal should prioritise similar connections between Indian railway stations near the border and potential Nepali stations.
Potential railway projects to enhance cross-border connectivity include connecting Nepal's stations like Kakarbhitta, Bardibas, Simara, Butwal, Lamahi, Kohalpur, Sukhad and Gaddachowki to India's stations like Jogbani, Raxaul, Gorakhpur, Nautanwa, Nepalgunj Road and Banbasa. These junctions can serve as crucial cross-border connections, facilitating trade and travel between India and Nepal.
Nepal, rich in natural resources and strategically positioned between two economic powerhouses, faces significant challenges in its internal transportation infrastructure. The Inter-Tarai Railway Network is a long-awaited initiative that promises to address these challenges, facilitating greater connectivity and enhancing the quality of life for millions of Nepalis.
The completion of the East-West Railway, combined with the Inter-Tarai Highway and the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track, will reduce Nepal's dependence on Indian railways, bolster internal logistics and relieve pressure on the country's overstressed highways. Despite existing hurdles, such as land acquisition disputes and environmental concerns, the railway network offers immense potential for economic growth, improved trade and enhanced social mobility.
As Nepal invests in its future, the Inter-Tarai Railway Network and associated Indo-Nepal railway connections will play critical roles in fostering regional integration and prosperity.