Indian train serving passengers on Jayanagar-Janakpur route

BY DHIRENDRA PRASAD SAH,Janakpur, June 4: An Indian train has begun operating on Nepal’s railway line along the Jayanagar-Janakpur-Bhangaha section. This service has been launched on the replacement track provided by the Indian government.

The passenger train currently in operation is Indian and is being used temporarily while two Nepalis DEMU (Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit) trains undergo maintenance. These two trains, which usually serve the Jayanagar-Janakpur-Bhangaha route, have been sent to the Charbagh Railway Workshop in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, for periodic overhauling.

According to Niranjan Kumar Jha, Managing Director of Nepal Railway Company Ltd., the Indian government provided the train service free of cost until the Nepali trains return from maintenance. The temporary Indian train service began operating on Sunday.

The Indian train consists of six compartments, including the engine. Although it has a seating capacity of 420, it can accommodate up to 1,500 passengers at a time, including standing passengers, Jha said. Despite being operated by Indian Railways, all operational costs, including manpower and fuel, will be borne by Nepal Railway Company Ltd.

While the Indian train does not offer air-conditioned compartments, it has been arranged to ensure that service quality remains unaffected. The train will maintain the same schedule as the Nepali service. This includes three daily trips between Jayanagar and Janakpur and one daily trip between Janakpur and Bhangaha.

Once the Nepalis DEMU trains return from maintenance, the regular service, including AC compartments, will resume. The trains are expected to return within 50 days.