Raxaul-Kathmandu Railway: DPR submitted to Nepal, travel time to drop to 2.5 hours
The Raxaul to Kathmandu railway line project is moving ahead at a fast pace with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) now submitted to the Nepal government. RITES Limited, an agency under the Indian Ministry of Railways, completed the survey and documentation for this 136 km long track. Currently, the project is awaiting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal to commence construction. This broad-gauge electrified line will bridge the gap between India and its neighboring country, enhancing trade and tourism.
🗞️: Simhastha 2028: Indian Railways to build bypass lines at Nagda and Ujjain for Rs 600 crore।
Technical features of the Raxaul-Kathmandu Rail Project
This ambitious project is estimated to cost between 60,000 and 70,000 crore rupees. Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the Final Location Survey (FLS) is complete, and the track is designed for trains to run at a speed of 120 kmph. The 136 km long line will feature 13 stations, providing better connectivity to regions like Birgunj, Pipra, and Sisneri. This will be a broad-gauge electrified track, ensuring efficient and environment-friendly transport between Raxaul and Kathmandu.
Travel impact and infrastructure overview
Once the rail link is operational, the travel time between Raxaul and Kathmandu will be significantly reduced from the current 6 hours by road to approximately 2.5 hours. To manage the difficult hilly terrain of Nepal, the project includes extensive engineering works. The expected fare for a one-way trip is likely to be around 200 to 300 rupees, making it highly accessible for common citizens and tourists alike.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 136 Kilometers |
| Number of Stations | 13 Stations |
| Proposed Speed | 120 kmph |
| Tunnels | 39 Tunnels |
| Big Bridges | 41 Bridges |
| Small Bridges | 259 Bridges |
| Estimated Fare | Rs 200 to Rs 300 |