India, Nepal hold talks, review progress of key cross-border railway projects

India and Nepal reviewed the progress of ongoing cross-border railway projects and explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the sector during high-level meetings held in Kathmandu from June 11-12.

According to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Nepal, the two countries convened the 10th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings in Kathmandu.

The meetings were held to review the implementation of ongoing cross-border railway links and examine the overall status of bilateral cooperation in the railway sector.

Progress of major rail links reviewed

During discussions held on Friday, both sides reviewed the implementation of the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge railway lines connecting India and Nepal. The projects are being developed with grant assistance from the Government of India.

More from World

Officials also discussed several other railway initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two countries.

Focus on passenger services and future connectivity

The talks covered the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the commencement of passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section and the Final Location Survey (FLS) Report of the Raxaul-Kathmandu Broad Gauge Railway Link.

Technical support for the East-West Railway Link, along with additional railway connections, also featured in the discussions, the statement said.

Both countries agreed to continue close engagement to further strengthen cooperation in the railway sector and support the progress of ongoing and future connectivity projects.

Follow-up to previous New Delhi meeting

The latest round of talks followed the 9th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the 7th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings, which were held in New Delhi from February 27 to 28, 2025, to review cross-border railway projects and bilateral railway cooperation.

The Indian delegation was led by Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (DPA-III), Ministry of External Affairs, while the JWG was led by Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight), Ministry of Railways. The Nepali side was led by Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, for both meetings.