The proposed Raxaul–Kathmandu railway project has progressed to a key stage, with the Final Location Survey (FLS) completed and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha.
In his statement, the minister highlighted that the 136-km new railway line will connect Raxaul in India with Kathmandu, Nepal, including access to Pashupatinath Dham, one of the most important religious sites in the region. He noted that Raxaul is currently the nearest railhead connected to the Indian railway network, making it a strategic point for extending connectivity into Nepal.
With the DPR now ready, the project has entered the next stage, which involves consultations with stakeholders and obtaining multiple approvals, including appraisal by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance. The minister clarified that project sanctioning is a continuous and dynamic process, and timelines will depend on the outcome of these evaluations and approvals.
The railway line is part of a broader initiative to strengthen India–Nepal connectivity, following earlier bilateral understandings between the two countries to develop cross-border rail infrastructure. The project is expected to enhance passenger movement, pilgrimage access, and economic linkages between the two nations.
Overall, the completion of the survey and DPR marks a significant milestone, laying the groundwork for future approvals and eventual execution of this important cross-border rail corridor.
