India’s first commercial freight train reaches Nepal carrying canola

Why in News?
Indian Railways has successfully operated the first-ever direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal, marking a significant step towards improving India-Nepal cross-border freight connectivity.

About the Development:

• The freight train comprised 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola and travelled directly from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar Customs Yard.
• The operation was conducted under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol.
• The revised arrangement allows direct rail movement of containerised cargo without transshipment at the border.
• Earlier, cargo movement could involve additional handling and transshipment, increasing transit time and logistics costs.
• The new system is expected to reduce transit time, cargo handling and transportation costs while improving the reliability and efficiency of bilateral trade.
• It is also expected to enhance the competitiveness of India-Nepal trade by facilitating smoother movement of goods.
• The development strengthens regional connectivity and economic integration between India and Nepal through rail-based freight infrastructure.

Source: AIR

CLICK HERE: UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED WEEKLY TEST (ENG & HINDI)

CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC GS MAINS TEST SERIES 

CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)