Kathmandu, Nepal: The 10th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings between Nepal and India concluded in Kathmandu on June 12, with both sides expressing satisfaction over ongoing cooperation in the railway sector, even as concerns remain over delays in project implementation.
The two-day meetings reviewed progress on key cross-border railway projects, including the Jaynagar–Bijalpura–Bardibas and Jogbani–Biratnagar broad-gauge lines, both being developed with grant assistance from the Government of India.
According to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, discussions also covered the finalisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for commencing passenger train services on the Janakpur–Ayodhya section, the Final Location Survey (FLS) report of the proposed Raxaul–Kathmandu railway link, and India’s technical support for Nepal’s East-West Railway project. Additional potential railway links were also on the agenda.
Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the railway sector.
Despite the positive tone, several components of the projects remain incomplete, highlighting persistent implementation challenges. In particular, work on the remaining sections of the Jaynagar–Bijalpura–Bardibas line (Bijalpura to Bardibas) and the Jogbani–Biratnagar line (Nepal Customs Yard to Biratnagar) is yet to begin.
Officials noted that preparatory work for these pending sections was reviewed during the meetings. The Nepali side assured that necessary facilitation would be provided to expedite the commencement and completion of the remaining works.
The meetings were attended by delegations from both countries. The Indian side was led by Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (DPA-III) at the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Joint Working Group was headed by Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight) at the Ministry of Railways. The Nepali delegation was led by Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
The latest round of discussions follows the 9th PSC and 7th JWG meetings held in New Delhi on February 27–28, 2025, which similarly reviewed progress on bilateral railway cooperation.
While the meetings reaffirm continued collaboration, the pace of on-ground progress remains a key concern, underscoring the need for stronger coordination and timely execution to translate commitments into operational outcomes.
