India constructing five cross-border railway links
India is establishing cross-border railway links at five locations on the Nepal-India border, expanding them to Nepali border towns.
According to the Indian embassy, these railway links are: Jaynagar in India to Bardibas in Nepal, Jogbani in India to Biratnagar in Nepal, Nautanwa in India to Bhairahawa in Nepal, Rupaidiha in India to Nepalgunj in Nepal, and, New Jalpaiguri in India to Kakarbhitta in Nepal.
Work on the railway connectivity at Jaynagar-Bardibas involving conversion of 51 km railway line from Jaynagar to Bijalpura into broad-gauge and its 17 km extension up to Bardibas is expected to start soon, a statement issued by the embassy said, confirming that both the governments have also decided to undertake work on the 17.65 km Jogbani – Biratnagar rail link in the first phase itself. Estimated cost of the two rail links proposed to be taken up in the first phase is more than Rs 1040 crore.
Additionally, India is building four Integrated Check-Posts (ICPs) at major points along the border. These are: Raxaul(India)-Birgunj (Nepal), Saunali (India)-Bhairahawa(Nepal), Jogbani (India)-Biratnagar (Nepal) and Nepalgunj Road (India)-Nepalgunj(Nepal).
Work has already started for the construction of ICPs at Raxaul in India and Birgunj in Nepal. Work on ICP at Jogbani in India has already started while work on the ICP at Biratnagar is expected to start soon. The estimated cost of Raxaul-Birgunj ICPs and Jogbani ICP is approximately NRs. 400 crore.
The embassy said the ICPs will have state-of-the-art infrastructure, facilitating integrated customs and immigration for smooth cross-border movement of people and goods. nepalnews.com
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