India-Nepal railway line finalised, will connect eastern UP to Nepal

The Nepal government is preparing to begin the process of land acquisition for a cross-border  railway line project scheduled between India's Rupaidiya and Kohalpur in Banke. This decision comes post the government of Nepal received a detailed project report (DPR) from India.

The cross-border railway line running between Rupaidiya Railway Station in eastern Uttar Pradesh will pass through Jayaspur, Indrapur, Guruwa Gaun, Hawaldalpur, Rajhena to end in Kohalpur in Nepal. The rail line will cover a distance of 18.5 km between the two nations. 
 
Additionally, the railway track will be running parallel between the  East-West Highway and the Postal Highway, according to the DPR submitted to Banke District Administration. 

Railway Department Engineer, Kiran Karki stated that for the construction of the railway line above the East-West-Highway will require clearing a huge  strip or area of national parks. The railway project was thus devised in such a manner,to ensure that the sanctuaries remain secure. 

Karki also added that as per the DPR, the railway line will be constructed two to three kilometers away from the East-West-Highway. This will however affect human settlements nearby for which they hope the government will cater to manage the settlements. 

Lastly, the government is planning to cover 4,000 kilometer of railway network in a span of two decades. Adding, 750 kilo meter of railway line will be developed in five years, says Railway Department.