India Launches First Direct Commercial Container Freight Train to Nepal

India has launched its first-ever direct commercial container freight train to Nepal, marking a significant milestone in cross-border rail connectivity and bilateral trade. 

The Railway Ministry said the inaugural freight train, comprising 40 wagons carrying 1,225 tonnes of canola, successfully completed its journey from Kolkata Port to the Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal on July 23 under



the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol.

Officials said the rake was booked on July 19 and was released from Nepal after unloading on July 25. 

The direct service enables seamless movement of containerised cargo from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without the need for transshipment at the border, significantly reducing transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling.