India to invest Rs 4,000 crore in Nepal to build Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line

New Delhi, September 29, 2023: India is set to invest Rs 4,000 crore to build a railway line connecting Raxaul in India to Kathmandu in Nepal. The 170.96-kilometer railway line is expected to be completed in five years.

The detailed project report (DPR) for the railway line was prepared by the Konkan Railway Corporation. The DPR estimates that the total cost of the project will be Rs 4,000 crore. The Indian government has already agreed to provide full financial assistance for the construction of the railway line.

The railway line will have 13 stations, including Raxaul, Birgunj, Belhava, Manharwa, Saphi Bazar, Nijgadh, Makwanpur, Diyal, Shikharpur, Sisneri, Satikhel, and Chobhar.

The railway line will be built in two stages. The first stage will involve the construction of a single-track line from Raxaul to Shikharpur, a distance of 90.065 kilometers. The second stage will involve the construction of a double-track line from Shikharpur to Chobhar, a distance of 46.725 kilometers.

The double-track line from Shikharpur to Chobhar will pass through a series of tunnels and bridges. The DPR estimates that 31 tunnels will be built along the route, with a total length of 40.865 kilometers. In addition, 18 large bridges, 101 medium-sized bridges, and 122 small bridges will be built.

The entire railway line will be electrified. Passenger trains will be able to travel at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, while freight trains will be limited to speeds of 80 kilometers per hour.

The construction of the Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line is a significant step in the development of relations between India and Nepal. The railway line will provide a faster and more efficient means of transportation between the two countries. It will also help to boost trade and tourism between India and Nepal.