Overview on Development of Railway Line Network in Nepal Himalaya

Abstract

The development of the railway network in the Nepal Himalaya marks a transformative phase in the nation’s transportation infrastructure, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and trade efficiency between South and East Asia. Nepal’s rugged terrain, active tectonics, and seismic vulnerability pose considerable challenges to railway development, yet recent governmental initiatives supported by India, China, and South Korea have advanced both feasibility and construction phases of key routes. This paper presents an overview of Nepal’s railway history, major ongoing and proposed projects, and their anticipated socio-economic and environmental benefits. Early railway systems such as the Raxaul–Birgunj–Amlekhgunj line (1927) and the Jayanagar–Janakpur–Bijulpura line (1937) laid the foundation for transboundary connectivity, later revitalized through modern upgrades. Major ongoing projects include the East–West Railway (945 km), Raxaul–Kathmandu (136 km), and Kerung–Kathmandu (170 km) corridors. Feasibility studies and DPRs have been completed for several lines, with estimated budgets ranging from NRs 250 to 400 billion. The paper highlights the use of durable local quartzite and granite for ballast material, alignment with Indian railway standards, and incorporation of modern geotechnical design practices. The positive impacts of railway development include enhanced trade integration, reduced carbon footprint, improved urban mobility, and employment generation. Despite funding and technical challenges, Nepal’s long-term vision of a resilient and sustainable trans-Himalayan railway network offers promising potential for national growth and regional cooperation.