Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section comes into operation

The Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section of the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas cross-border rail line in Nepal has been officially inaugurated on Sunday, bolstering the growing connectivity between India and Nepal.

The Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, launched the operations today in a ceremony held at Bijalpura, attended by esteemed dignitaries including Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, political leaders from Madhesh Pradesh, and representatives of the Government of Nepal.

This milestone achievement comes after the handover of the Kurtha-Bijalpura line to the Government of Nepal during the recent visit of the Nepalese Prime Minister to India. Stretching over 17.3 km, the rail link encompasses five stations, namely Kurtha, Pipradi, Loharpatti, Singyahi, and Bijalpura. The successful completion of this rail section marks the second phase of the Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas project, which is being constructed with generous grant assistance amounting to INR 783.83 Crores from the Government of India.

The Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas rail line project aims to enhance connectivity and foster stronger people-to-people ties between the two neighboring countries. The first phase, connecting Jaynagar to Kurtha, was inaugurated in April last year and has been operational since then. Currently, the land acquisition process is underway for the third phase, which will link Bijalpura to Bardibas, further strengthening the rail network.

Minister Jwala expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for their continuous support in Nepal’s infrastructure development, particularly in the rail sector. He emphasized the transformative impact of this rail connectivity, envisioning its potential to boost trade and tourism, as well as facilitate smoother travel for the people of Nepal.

Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission, reiterated the commitment of the Government of India to the development partnership between the two nations, aiming to create mutual benefits for their respective populations.

This railway project is part of a series of connectivity initiatives being implemented by India in Nepal, reinforcing the Government of India’s Neighbourhood First policy. By establishing robust physical connectivity, these projects aim to strengthen the bond between the two nations and create opportunities for shared growth and development.

The operationalization of the Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section signifies a significant step forward in enhancing transportation infrastructure in Nepal, providing reliable, affordable, and efficient connectivity to previously underserved areas. The completion of this project paves the way for increased regional integration and opens new avenues for economic cooperation between India and Nepal.