India and Nepal expand rail-trade access with new Jogbani–Biratnagar freight corridor

India and Nepal have taken another step toward deepening regional connectivity by amending their bilateral Treaty of Transit to allow rail freight— including bulk cargo— to move seamlessly between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal.

The updated protocol was formally exchanged in New Delhi on 13 November 2025, during a meeting between India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha.

According to an official statement, the revised transit terms broaden the definition of eligible rail cargo and open the route for expanded freight operations through the Jogbani–Biratnagar link. The agreement also supports smoother movement along major transit corridors such as Kolkata–Jogbani, Kolkata–Nautanwa (Sunauli) and Visakhapatnam–Nautanwa (Sunauli), boosting multimodal trade options for Nepal and improving its access to third-country markets.

Both ministers noted the strong momentum in bilateral cooperation, highlighting joint efforts to upgrade cross-border connectivity and streamline trade procedures. India remains Nepal’s largest trading and investment partner, accounting for a substantial share of the country’s external commerce.

The latest measures are expected to strengthen supply-chain integration between the two neighbours and reinforce Nepal’s regional trade links.