New Delhi: India and Nepal have formalised an agreement to introduce direct rail connectivity for containerised and bulk cargo along the Jogbani–Biratnagar rail link. The move is expected to streamline freight movement from the ports of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to the Nepal Customs Yard cargo station in Morang District, near Biratnagar.

The two countries exchanged a Letter of Exchange that amends the protocol to the Treaty of Transit. According to the commerce ministry, "This signing will facilitate the movement of rail-based freight between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal), including bulk cargo under an expanded definition."

The updated arrangement broadens access to key transit corridors such as Kolkata–Jogbani, Kolkata–Nautanwa (Sunauli), and Visakhapatnam–Nautanwa (Sunauli). This is expected to enhance multi-modal trade links and improve Nepal’s connectivity for trade with third countries.

The Letter of Exchange was finalised during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha. The commerce ministry noted that India continues to be Nepal’s largest trade and investment partner and plays a central role in its external trade.

"These new measures are expected to further consolidate economic and commercial linkages between the two countries and beyond," the ministry said.

BI Bureau