Raxaul/Patna: The Government of India has allocated Rs. 41 crore for the final location survey of the proposed Raxaul–Kathmandu railway project, marking a significant step towards the implementation of the cross-border rail corridor.
The funding has been approved by the Ministry of External Affairs for the 2026–27 financial year. Officials said the move is expected to accelerate groundwork for the project.
136-km electrified railway corridor planned
The proposed rail line between Raxaul in Bihar and Kathmandu in Nepal will span around 136 kilometres. The corridor is planned as a fully electrified route aimed at providing faster and modern rail connectivity between the two countries.
The project is estimated to cost nearly Rs. 70,000 crore.
Officials say the rail line could eventually become part of a larger network connecting Delhi directly with Kathmandu through rail services.
Route to include 13 stations
According to project details, 13 stations are proposed along the route. Key stations include Raxaul, Birgunj, Bagahi, Pipra, Dumarwana, Chandrapur, Shikharpur, Sisneri and Kathmandu.
The railway line is expected to pass through Jeetpur, Nijgadh and Chobhar before reaching Kathmandu.
Authorities believe the project will improve transport connectivity in border and hilly regions and support passenger movement between India and Nepal.
Travel time likely to reduce significantly
At present, travel between Raxaul and Kathmandu by road takes around six hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Once the railway line becomes operational, the journey is expected to be reduced to approximately two to two-and-a-half hours, offering faster and more convenient travel for passengers.
