The Indian side has given the options of two routes to Nepal for Kathmandu-Raxaul railway.
Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) of India, that completed field study, has suggested one route of 140 kilometers and another of 190 kilometers, according to Director General of the Department of Railways Balaram Mishra. "They have also said there will be problems later if it is built in the former route. We are discussing the issue now. We will take decision in a few days and inform them," Mishra said.
There will be tunnels in both the routes. Nepal is mulling to build in the second route despite it being longer to ensure that there are no problems in the future. "The time to travel in both the routes will be similar as there will be fewer climbs and descents in the 190-kilometer route despite it being 50 kilometers longer. The government will take a decision in a few days taking all these things into consideration," Mishra revealed.
The Indian side has also suggested a broad-gauge line but Nepal will urge to build it in standard gauge.
Nepal and India had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on survey of the railway in Kathmandu on August 31 in presence of Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi who was here for the Fourth BIMSTEC Summit.
The two countries had signed an MoU to operate electric trains from Kathmandu to Raxaul during the India visit of PM Oli in April.
The Department of Railways itself had started preliminary study for Kathmandu-Birgunj railway earlier. It was in negotiation with a South Korean company for feasibility study when the understanding with India was reached. The department stopped the process after that.
India will complete study within a year and decision on the modality for the railway will be taken after that, according to the MoU signed in August.
