According to an official statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Nepal, the high-level discussions focused on the implementation status of the Jaynagar–Bijalpura–Bardibas and Jogbani–Biratnagar broad-gauge railway lines. Both projects are being developed with grant assistance from the Government of India as part of continued efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration.
The two sides also examined Standard Operating Procedures for the commencement of passenger train services on the Janakpur–Ayodhya section. In addition, they reviewed the Final Location Survey report for the Raxaul–Kathmandu broad-gauge railway link, discussed technical support for the East-West railway corridor, and considered proposals for additional railway linkages between the two countries.
Officials confirmed that both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to further enhance cooperation in the railway sector and ensure timely progress of ongoing initiatives.
Earlier, India and Nepal had held the 9th Project Steering Committee meeting and the 7th Joint Working Group meeting in New Delhi on February 27–28, 2025, to assess progress on the same cross-border railway projects and review overall bilateral railway cooperation.
The Indian delegation at the Kathmandu meetings was led by Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (DPA-III), Ministry of External Affairs, while the Joint Working Group was represented by Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation–Freight), Ministry of Railways. The Nepali delegation was headed by Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, who participated in both forums.
During the discussions, both sides reviewed ongoing construction work on the Jaynagar–Bijalpura–Bardibas and Jogbani–Biratnagar broad-gauge railway lines, both of which are being implemented with grant assistance from India. Progress on the remaining sections of these corridors, including the Bijalpura–Bardibas segment of the Jaynagar project and the Nepal Customs Yard–Biratnagar section of the Jogbani project, was also assessed.
The Nepali side assured full facilitation for the early commencement and completion of the remaining construction works, reaffirming its commitment to expediting cross-border railway infrastructure development.
The meetings underscored the shared commitment of India and Nepal to advancing strategic railway connectivity, strengthening economic ties, and enhancing regional mobility through sustained cooperation and infrastructure integration.
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