Indian Railways has commenced the first-ever direct commercial container freight train connecting Kolkata Port with Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal, marking a new step in cross-border rail freight operations between the two countries, as per news reports.
The inaugural 40-wagon train, carrying a canola consignment, completed its journey under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, allowing containerised cargo to move directly without transshipment at the border.
The revised transit protocol enables uninterrupted movement of container freight across the India-Nepal border, eliminating the need to transfer cargo between trains.
This is expected to reduce transit time, minimise cargo handling, and lower logistics costs while improving the overall efficiency and reliability of freight transportation.
The launch follows the inauguration of the Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge rail link in June 2023, which established the physical rail connection between the two countries.
It also builds on the revised Letter of Exchange signed in November 2025, which enabled direct commercial rail operations under the updated transit framework.
The new service is expected to accelerate the movement of both import and export cargo by offering a faster, more economical and environmentally sustainable mode of transport.
Exporters, importers and logistics operators are expected to benefit from simplified supply chains, fewer cargo handling points and improved trade facilitation along the India-Nepal corridor.
The initiative reflects Indian Railways' focus on expanding international rail connectivity and strengthening freight infrastructure.
It also supports the Government's objective of improving ease of doing business through modern transport networks while enhancing regional connectivity and economic cooperation between India and Nepal.
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The launch of the direct container freight service establishes a new rail logistics corridor between Kolkata Port and Biratnagar, simplifying cross-border cargo movement and strengthening bilateral trade through faster, more efficient and sustainable freight transportation.
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Published on: Jul 29, 2026, 2:50 PM IST
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