First India-Nepal passenger train on broad gauge to make first run in December

Overview: The first passenger train to run on broad gauge between India and Nepal will run from December this year.

Key facts:

• The train will run from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Dhanusa district in Janakpur Zone of south-eastern Nepal, which is a 34 km stretch.
• No visa will be required for Indian and Nepalese nationals crossing the border through this stretch.

Significance:

After Beijing decided to extend its railway network up to Kathmandu, New Delhi proposed the construction of new railway links during Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s recent visit to India. The move is being seen as part of efforts to counter China’s plans to forge rail links with Nepal.

Sources: the hindu.