Direct Cargo Train Arrives in Biratnagar from Kolkata for the First Time: A Relief in Freight for Eastern Industries

Industrial raw materials imported from third countries have now started arriving directly in Biratnagar from the Indian port of Kolkata via rail. With the commencement of the first regular cargo train service under the Nepal–India Transit Treaty, industrialists and businesspersons in eastern Nepal expect a reduction in both transportation time and costs.

The cargo train carrying industrial raw materials, which departed from Kolkata Port last Friday, arrived at the customs yard in Biratnagar on Monday afternoon. The first shipment brought raw materials imported from a third country for Swastik Oil Industries, located in the Morang–Sunsari Industrial Corridor.

Previously, goods arriving from third countries had to be transported by rail up to Bathnaha in India and then brought into Nepal by road. Now that the train directly reaches the customs yard in Biratnagar, the freight process has become much smoother.

The formal inauguration of the cargo train service took place at a special ceremony held in Kolkata. Consul General of Nepal in Kolkata, Jhakka Prasad Acharya, alongside high-ranking Indian Customs officials and representatives from the Kolkata Port and the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), jointly flagged off the train to Biratnagar.

When the train arrived at the Biratnagar customs yard on Monday, it was welcomed by customs officials, industrialists, and entrepreneurs. Industrialists expressed confidence that the regular operation of the rail service would lower import costs, ensure faster delivery of goods, and streamline industrial operations.

With the goal of bringing cargo trains up to the Integrated Check Post in Biratnagar, a test run was conducted in May/June 2023 (Jestha 2080 BS). However, due to policy complexities and a lack of procedural coordination, the service could not be operated regularly.

Recently, after the relevant authorities in Nepal and India reached the necessary policy agreements, the path was cleared for regular rail freight service between Kolkata and Biratnagar. This development is being viewed as a significant milestone for the industrial sector of eastern Nepal.