India has handed over 34.9 km long cross-border rail link to Nepal government, that connects Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal.

Key Points

The ceremony took place on October 22, 2021 in the presence of Indian ambassador to Nepal Vinay M. Kwatra and Nepal minister for physical Infrastructure & transport Renu Kumari Yadav.

About Jaynagar-Kurtha Section of rail link

The Jaynagar – Kurtha section of rail link is the part of 68.7 km Jaynagar – Bijalpura- Bardidas rail link. It was built under the grant assistance programme of Indian government. Under the grant assistance of India, gauge conversion of 34.9 km narrow gauge has been completed. The project has completed at a cost of Rs 619 crore. It has five stations in the section namely, Jayanagar, Khajuri, Inarwa, Baidehi and Kurtha near Janakpur in Nepal. The highest fare will likely be Rs 70 for general class and Rs 300 for AC for the entire journey. The train will run at 115 km per hour and the distance will be covered in 23 minutes.

Significance of the rail link

This operationalised cross-border rail link is likely to enhance trade and commerce activities. It will also enhance people to people linkage between both the countries.

Jainagar or Jaynagar

It is a town and a notified area in the Madhubani district of Bihar. As per 2011 census, Jainagar had a population of 1,77,556. Males account for 53% of the population while females account for 47%. The town has an average literacy rate of 58%.