Ambitious rail networks possible within 10 years, claims government
KATHMANDU, SEP 13 -
If the government has its way, the country will have a modern metro rail service in the capital, railway services connecting east to west and north to south within ten years. The government has been working to develop railway networks amid growing calls for mass transport system and transportation of goods.
Besides, five cross border railway links will be established with huge Indian railway networks within next three years under the assistance of India. Though the government is yet to ascertain resources required to complete the projects, it has been carrying out necessary studies for Mechi-Mahakali and Kathmandu-Pokhara Electric Railway Project and a metro railway in the Kathmandu Valley.
“We will start a feasibility study within the next three months to identify possible alignments for north-south rail link too,” said Ram Kumar Lamsal, director general of the Railway Department.
He also explained about the government’s plans to extend the railway link to China border areas—Syabrubesi or Kimathanka connecting Tarai which will later work as transit route for India and China as part of the Trans-Asia Railway Network. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Transport Management (MPPTM) has already requested India for the handover of Jayanagar-Bijulpura-Bardibas line for construction. Bardibas will be linked with 1,317 km long Mechi-Mahakali railway, linking Kakkadbhitta in the east with Gaddachauki in the west.
MPPTM officials said that since railway works need billions of rupees, it would take at least 10 years before the railway service comes into operation in some sections with gradual development through foreign aid or government resources.
The feasibility study, conducted two years ago by RITES, India, had concluded that the East-West railway would cost Rs 800 billion.
“If we move ahead with long term vision and commitment, resource is not a problem as construction could be carried out on the basis of section by section,” said Lamsal. He added that South Korea was ready to undertake a section of East West railway-Bardibas-Simara-Birjung offering a soft loan.
The railway development projects have been on top of the government’s priority list for the past two years. Last month, it had requested the Asian Development Bank for the conduction of a detailed project report (DPR) on the metro railway and a feasibility study of a North-South railway link.
The MPPTM said that the inception report of the feasibility study being carried out by Korean firms had showed that there would be five different lines totalling 74 km in length and 31 metro stations. A consultant is schedule to complete the feasibility report of the metro within the next two months.
Similarly, the ministry officials said that the DPR of Bardibas-Simara-Birgung section would be ready within two months. They also informed that preparations are on to hire consultants for the DPR for Butwal-Gaddachauki, Simara-Tamsariya and Tamsariya-Butwal-Madhawaliya-Bhairahawa sections.
“We will select a consultant for the DPR of Pathlaiya-Lumbini section soon,” said Lekh Nath Gyawali, spokesperson of the ministry. He added that the
government had also requested
India to start construction of Jayanagar-Janakpur-Bijulpura-Bardibas extension at the earliest.
As per the agreement between the two countries, a 51km-long narrow gauge railway line from Jaynagar to Bijalpura would be upgraded to broad gauge, with a 17 km extension up to Bardibas. The ministry confirmed that an agreement for construction of a 13 km-long Jogbani-Birantnagar cross country link had been signed with India. Lamsal said that IRCON International, an Indian government company, is likely to start work from Thursday. “All five cross border railway links with India are expected to be completed in the next three years,” he added.
Five months ago, Nepal and India had agreed to expedite work of five cross border rail links for easier and faster connectivity between the two countries.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
