Kathmandu— As modern connectivity prioritizes speed and efficiency, Nepal is considering the integration of high-speed rail networks with its neighbors, India and China. The Rastriya Swatantra Party's election manifesto includes a 50-year railway master plan that emphasizes the East-West railway as a backbone for human and goods transport, connecting major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dang, Surkhet, and beyond to Indian and Chinese cities.

Engineering Challenges and Opportunities

While both India and China have demonstrated their engineering prowess with high-speed rail networks, Nepal faces significant challenges in implementing such projects. Extreme topography, technical hazards, steep descents, and economic viability are among the hurdles that limit immediate consideration of a high-speed rail link between Kathmandu and Kerung. However, adopting a conventional electric train system on a standard gauge is seen as a more practical interim solution.

India's bullet train program, which includes the 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor scheduled to launch in August 2027 with an operational speed of 320 km/h, offers valuable lessons and opportunities for Nepal. The Indian project utilizes Shinkansen technology and a standard gauge system, aligning closely with potential future developments in Nepal.

Strategic Connectivity and Tourism

The strategic importance of seamless connectivity cannot be overstated. Integrating Nepal's railways with high-speed rail corridors in northern and eastern India would significantly enhance cultural and religious tourism opportunities, as many Indian tourists currently face difficulties due to inadequate cross-border transportation options.

India’s plans for expanding its bullet train network closer to Nepal are promising. Routes such as Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri are under surveying and planning phases, with potential connections from Siliguri to Kakarbhitta and Delhi to Attaria or Mahendranagar via standard-gauge tracks. These developments could provide Nepalese citizens with easier access to major Indian cities.

(With inputs from Rising Nepal)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.