KATHMANDU, Dec 26: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth has said that the government has started process of purchasing its own passenger train instead of using Indian train on lease.
“We have already collected rates from the Government of India and negotiations are underway,” Mahaseth said.
However, the Department of Railways has not yet prepared a procurement plan.
The 34-kilometer broad gauge rail line connecting India’s Jayanagar to Kurtha of Janakpur in Nepal is almost ready, and the government is soon to commission the railway that is to be extended to Bardibas in near future to connect with the east west railway of Nepal, which is being built separately.
The extension work has, however, witnessed hurdles from locals who are not willing to accept the compensation amount offered by the government for their land to build stations at Bardibas.