RAXAUL – A drone survey is underway for the Raxaul-Kathmandu rail project in Nepal, marking a crucial step before construction begins. The project aims to strengthen ties between Nepal and India with a 136 km rail line featuring 12 stations and 223 bridges.
The final phase of the drone survey for the India-Nepal Rail Project Raxaul-Kathmandu is underway in Nepal. Following the survey, construction is expected to receive approval from Nepal soon. The rail line will connect Raxaul to Kathmandu via Jeetpur, Nijgadh, Shikharapur, Sisneri, and Sathikhel. The estimated cost of this project is approximately ₹16,550 crores.
The Raxaul-Kathmandu Rail Project, connecting Delhi and Nepal’s capital Kathmandu via rail, is progressing rapidly. Drone surveys in Nepal are in the final stages before construction begins. The survey assesses land, forests, rivers, mountains, and population along the rail route. It aims to address issues such as urban and rural areas affected, station connectivity, potential challenges, and solutions. Surveys have been completed in Parsa and Bara, with ongoing work in Makwanpur, followed by Rautahat, Lalitpur, and Kathmandu. Collaboration with local communities is crucial for understanding and resolving issues effectively.
In 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a memorandum of understanding with the then Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli. In 2019, efforts began to implement this project on the ground. India proposed four alternative routes, with the initial report stating the lengths of the first route as 171, the second as 191, the third as 198, and the fourth as 136 kilometers. Both countries agreed on the fourth option for the railway line.
Nepal is conducting drone surveys for the economic and social studies related to the Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line, covering areas such as Jeetpur, Nijgadh, Shikharapur, Sisneri, and Satikhel. This initiative aims to enhance the development and safety of the project.
