East-West Railway Link to India-Project Bank

EAST-WEST RAILWAY LINK TO INDIA PROJECT

Lead Government Agency

Office of the Investment Board & the Railway Department-Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Cost (In USD)	227 million
Progress	Feasibility Study
Project Land Required (in Ha.)	75.15 forest land
Project Documents Available	Feasibility Study Report
Form of Investment (PPP/Private Investment)	Public Private Partnership
Expected Fiscal Benefits to GoN	Establishment of economic infrastructure Creation of employment opportunities Better connectivity Improvement of industrial competitiveness Reduction of traffic congestion Reduction of pollution Improvement of connectivity to India Import/export facilitation

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND RELEVANCE/ OBJECTIVES

Railway has remained the least-explored means of transportation in Nepal though its development dates back to the 1920s. India, being one of the largest economies in the world, a reliable and standard railway link to India is essential to maximize Nepal’s economic opportunities. All provinces of the recently federalized Nepal share border with Indian states and railway links through the border points help increase trade and tourism with major Indian cities.

Realizing the importance of railways in carrying freight and passengers, Nepal is planning to construct a railway line from east to west that links India and Indian states.

RELEVANCE TO THE OVERALL ECONOMY

Implementation of this project is expected to facilitate public transport, increase tourism, trade as well as generate employment opportunities, which will ultimately contribute to the national economy.

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

Total length of railway : 113.419 km

Location 1: Attariya

Location 2: Nepalgunj

Location 3: Bhairahawa

Location 4: Birgunj

Location 5: Janakpur

Location 6: Biratnagar