Question : RAIL LINK BETWEEN INDIA AND NEPAL

(a)whether an important agreement was signed recently in November to establish India- Nepal rail link via Kolkata;

(b) if so, the details thereof, and the time by which this service is likely to be commenced and the estimated amount to be spent thereon;

(c) whether this bilateral agreement also has a proposal to set up an inland container depot;

(d) if so, the time by which it is likely to be established; and

(e) the details of the amount to be saved in respect of commercial transport as a result thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI BASANAGOUDA R. PATIL)

(a) to (e) There is no proposal to establish India-Nepal rail link via Kolkata. However, there is a proposal to introduce freight train services between India and Nepal via Raxaul. The physical works for construction of an Inland Container Depot at Birgunj by Government of Nepal and rail link between Raxaul and Birgunj have been completed. Formal agreement in this regard has not yet been signed.