A private sector cargo train from India arrived in Birgunj, Nepal, on 15 September 2021—the first following the approval and implementation of the revision of the railway service agreement between the two countries. Mr. Ashish Gajurel, Executive Director of the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee, said that the Hind Terminal cargo train carried 90 containers with food products from Haldia. Hind Terminal Pvt Ltd is set to import cargo twice a week. Four other companies have also shown interest, according to a report from Daijiworld.

The revision of the Railway Service Agreement between India and Nepal took effect on 9 July. It (i) authorizes all cargo train operators, including public and private container train operators, automobile freight train operators, special freight train operators, and/or any other operator authorized by the Indian Railways, to utilize the Indian railway network to carry Nepal-bound freight; (ii) allows different categories of wagons to carry cargo to and from Nepal; and (iii) authorizes wagons owned by the Nepal Railway Company to carry Nepal-bound freight over the Indian Railways network as per standards and procedures of Indian Railways.

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First private train cargo arrives in Nepal from India