Kathmandu recently hosted key bilateral discussions aimed at expanding the rail network between India and Nepal, signaling a major step forward in regional connectivity. The diplomatic dialogues focused on reviewing existing infrastructure initiatives and accelerating pending cross-border rail systems.
During the two-day high-level gathering held on June 11-12, 2026, officials convened for the 10th Project Steering Committee and the 8th Joint Working Group sessions. Both delegations evaluated the current progress of critical transit projects designed to bind the neighboring nations closer together.
Central to the talks was the operational rollout of standard operating protocols for upcoming passenger train operations connecting Janakpur and Ayodhya. Additionally, the committee scrutinized the Final Location Survey documentation for the proposed broad-gauge line tracking from Raxaul to Kathmandu.
The infrastructure portfolio under review includes the ongoing construction of the Jogbani-Biratnagar and Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas lines, both funded via grant allocations from New Delhi. Technical cooperation frameworks for Nepal’s East-West Railway Link and prospects for supplemental transit routes were also evaluated.
Moving forward, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close diplomatic and technical coordination. This collaborative momentum aims to ensure the timely execution of these strategic cross-border transport corridors.
