'Regular Cargo Rail Depends on Lower Costs,' Says Industrialist Suyash Pakurel

The commercial operation of the Biratnagar cargo rail service marks a major milestone for Nepal's eastern industrial corridor, according to former Morang Industrial Organization President Suyash Pakurel. In an interview, Pakurel described the rail service as the result of years of advocacy by the private sector and close coordination with the governments and railway authorities of Nepal and India. He said the project, which faced repeated delays due to policy hurdles and the COVID-19 pandemic, has finally become a reality after years of sustained effort. While welcoming the achievement, he stressed that ensuring the service operates regularly should now be the top priority. Pakurel said the cargo rail service offers significant advantages by reducing transportation time from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar from around three days by road to just 24 hours by rail, while also improving cargo security through modern tracking systems. However, he cautioned that the service will only remain commercially viable if it becomes more cost-effective than road transport. He called for lower handling and unloading charges at the Biratnagar yard, noting that current fees are higher than those on the Indian side. He also highlighted the need to address the challenge of empty return containers by using them to carry Nepal's export cargo to India and third countries. Drawing comparisons with Birgunj, Pakurel said Biratnagar already has the necessary infrastructure and could achieve similar success if operational costs are reduced and industrialists consistently use the rail service. He added that the private sector is ready to work with the government and operators to make the project sustainable and strengthen the economy of Koshi Province and the country as a whole.