New Rail Links and Transit Agreements Strengthen India-Nepal Relations

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his commitment to enhancing India-Nepal relations during a joint press statement with Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” at Hyderabad House. Referring to his earlier ‘HIT’ formula, which stands for Highways, I-ways, and Trans-ways, Modi highlighted the establishment of new connectivity links between the two countries.

Transit agreements and new rail links have been signed to improve physical connectivity, while a long-term power trade agreement has been established to strengthen the power sector. Additionally, the leaders discussed expediting projects related to the Ramayana Circuit to strengthen religious and cultural ties.

During the visit, the prime ministers inaugurated the Kurtha-Bijalpura railway section and flagged off an Indian Railway cargo train from Bathnaha to Nepal Custom Yard.

Modi emphasized resolving any issues between the two countries, including boundary issues, to further strengthen bilateral ties. India’s development assistance to Nepal focuses on grassroots-level infrastructure, including projects in areas like health, water resources, education, and rural and community development.

India has supported the construction of integrated checkpoints in Birgunj and Biratnagar, as well as hydroelectric projects such as Pokhara, Trisuli, Western Gandak, and Devighat. Agreements have been signed for the Arun-4 hydropower project, which aims to generate electricity for Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Cross-border transmission lines, including the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar line, Kataiya-Kusaha line, and Raxaul-Parwanipur line, have been completed with India’s assistance, showcasing robust cooperation in the power sector between the two countries.