Future Expansion
Talks have been held to reopen the 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) narrow gauge railway route to Amlekhganj by converting it to 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge under Project Unigauge because of its socio-economic importance and also convert the Jayanagar-Janakpuur railway line to broad gauge with extension to Bardibas.
Nepal has an ambitious expectation for running East-West Railway linking to Kathmandu. Nepal also hopes to have a North-South Railway line to link the railway systems of India and China. Nepal might be integrated with the Asian and SAARC railway systems too. But it might take a longer time and it depends much on the political situation in the region.
A better and direct railway link with the Calcutta and Bombay ports in India is most important for Nepal. Janakpur, Birganj and Bhairahawa are the three suitable points for this purpose. After the extension of board gauge link to Janakpur and Bhairahawa, Birganj will not be able to maintain its present position as the biggest entry point of Nepal. Lumbini-Hetauda-Janakpur section might be the first East-West Railway line in Nepal. These two entry points are not only of tourist value, they might also be the most economical routes for trade with India and overseas.
The Birganj Dry Port was the first in Nepal to be connected by broad gauge link. Biratnagar may be the second such point. Mahendranagar may also get a similar link.
Construction of an electrical railway in Tarai from Mechi to Mahakali has been considered.
Read more about this topic: Nepal Railways
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