KATHMANDU : Nepal on Monday launched direct rail-based cargo movement from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar, with a cargo train arriving in the eastern border city for the first time. Officials said the move marks the start of direct rail cargo service to Biratnagar under the bilateral trade and transit pact between India and Nepal.
The train carried 40 containers of mustard imported from a third country and reached the Integrated Check Post at Budhanagar in Biratnagar. The extension of the service has been welcomed by industrialists and importers in eastern Nepal, who said it would cut transportation time and logistics costs.
Under the trade and transit pact, India has given Nepal access to its rail, road and water networks for international trade with third-party countries. Officials said this was the first time a cargo train had reached Biratnagar directly from Kolkata since the rail cargo service was inaugurated three years ago. Until now, Birgunj was the only Nepal-India border point handling rail cargo for goods imported from third countries.
Officials said an electronic cargo tracking system had been installed in the containers for safe transportation. The service became operational through the joint cooperation of the Nepali Consulate General in Kolkata, Kolkata Customs and Ports, and the Container Corporation of India Limited.
Biratnagar-based Morang Industry Association president Nandu Rathi welcomed the development. “The expansion of rail cargo service to Biratnagar has brought great relief to industrialists and importers in the eastern region,” he said. He added, “As rail cargo can now reach Biratnagar from Kolkata port within 24 hours, it will also decrease the transportation time.”
The arrival of the first direct cargo train from Kolkata to Biratnagar is expected to make imports easier for eastern Nepal by opening a new rail route beyond Birgunj and reducing the time taken to move goods.
