Nepal agrees to fast-track Kathmandu-India rail line

In a major boost to rail connectivity between India and Nepal, both the countries have agreed to fast-track the construction of a rail line from Kathmandu to the Indian mainland. The decision follows China's energetic effort to link the Nepalese capital with Tibet but with the newest deal India has prevented China from bringing its railway, and in the worst-case scenario, its troops and equipment, close to the Indian borders. After striking a rough patch that included a territorial dispute and a cartographic clash, India and Nepal's ties have been re-booted following a string of high-profile visits. Nepalese foreign minister Pradip Gyawali is all set to visit New Delhi to add concrete substance to the re-energized relationship. After stalling the project for an extended period, the Nepalese authorities have permitted India's Konkan Railway Corporation Limited to carry out a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to connect Kathmandu with Raxaul railway station on the India-Nepal border, which is currently the only Indian city that is connected across the border to Nepal at Birjung. In fact, Raxaul is Nepal's gateway to India, as it is connected by rail with New Delhi and Kolkata thereby providing connectivity to a vast hinterland. According to Secretary Shrestha, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has already sent a letter to India approving the DPR and construction work along with its opinion. The total length of the rail line is expected to be 136 km, of which 42 km will pass through a tunnel.