New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Indian Railways successfully operated the first-ever direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Nepal's Biratnagar Customs Yard.

“The train, comprising 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola, completed its journey under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, marking a new chapter in rail-based cross-border freight movement,” a press note from the Railway Ministry said.

It added, “The successful operation enables direct rail movement of containerised cargo from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without transshipment at the border. The new arrangement is expected to substantially reduce transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while improving the efficiency, reliability and competitiveness of cross-border trade between the two neighbouring countries.” The milestone has been made possible through the implementation of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, which facilitates seamless end-to-end rail transportation of freight between the two countries.

Officials said that the achievement builds upon the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal), inaugurated in June 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his then Nepalese counterpart.

Following the signing of the revised Letter of Exchange (LoE) in November 2025, direct commercial rail movement to Biratnagar has now become operational, opening new opportunities for bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

“The direct freight service is expected to provide a significant boost to the movement of import and export cargo by offering a faster, more economical and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation,” the press note stated.

It further informed that by reducing multiple handling points and improving supply chain efficiency, the initiative will benefit exporters, importers, logistics operators and industries engaged in cross-border trade.

Appreciating the initiatives, officials viewed that the milestone also reflects Indian Railways' continued focus on expanding international rail connectivity, strengthening freight logistics and supporting the Government's vision of improving ease of doing business through modern transport infrastructure. PTI JP JP NB NB

Direct containerised rail freight movement enables seamless Kolkata Port-to-Biratnagar cargo transport without border transshipment under revised transit arrangements. Direct containerised rail freight movement between Kolkata Port and Biratnagar Customs Yard has commenced under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol. The service enables end-to-end commercial rail carriage without border transshipment through the Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge connection. Implementation of the revised Letter of Exchange operationalises direct commercial rail access, intended to reduce transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while improving supply-chain efficiency, reliability and cross-border trade.