The first direct commercial container freight train carrying canola has reached Nepal's Biratnagar from Kolkata Port.
DIMAPUR — In a major milestone for India-Nepal rail connectivity, the first-ever direct commercial container freight train carrying 40 wagons of canola has successfully completed its journey from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal.
According to a press release issued by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the historic movement marks the operationalisation of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, ushering in a new phase of cross-border freight transportation.
The train operated under the revised transit framework, enabling the direct movement of bulk cargo from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without transshipment at the border.
The NFR said the new arrangement is expected to significantly reduce transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while improving trade efficiency between the two neighbouring countries.
The development builds on the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal, which was inaugurated in June 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal's then Prime Minister.
Following the signing of the revised Letter of Exchange (LoE) in November 2025, direct commercial rail movement to Nepal has now become operational.
The NFR said the milestone underscores its growing role in strengthening international rail connectivity and facilitating seamless cross-border trade. The initiative is expected to boost bilateral commerce, improve logistics efficiency and reinforce India's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through modern railway infrastructure.
The railway added that it will continue to strengthen cross-border rail connectivity, enhance freight logistics and support the expanding trade and economic partnership between India and Nepal through efficient, reliable and customer-focused railway services.