In a drive to extend connectivity and mobility between India and Nepal, Indian government is spending Rs. 550 crore to extend 17 Km of Jayanagar-Bijalpura- Bardibas project which is 68.72 Km long.
This rail project begins from Bihar’s Jayanagar, which is mere 4 Km from Nepal border to Bijalpura in Nepal, which is expected to be completed by March 2021. after the line till Bijalpura is completed, further land till Bardibas will be allotted for project.
To operate trains on the lines, two sets of 1600 HP DEMU passenger rakes have been supplied by Konkan Rail Corporation Limited (KRCL), which are already handed over to Nepal last year in September, DEMU rakes include 2 AC coaches as well, in addition to regular Non-AC coaches.
This will be first broad gauge passenger rail to be operated in Nepal, prior to which only narrow gauge have been used in Nepal, even Jayanagar-Janakpur service which ran between India and Nepal was narrow gauge.
Indian Railways will also share knowledge and train know-how of operating and maintenance broad gauge to Nepal Railways’ officials.
According to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the first broad gauge rail service in Nepal, prepared by KRCL, IRCON will undertake engineering and construction activities, KRCL will handle operations until Nepal Railways will be able to do on its own.
The Jayanagar-Bijalpur-Bardibas line also passes through Janakpur, which is a famous pilgrimage centre, located 29 Km from Jayanagar.