Nepal has dispatched both of its trains to India for scheduled maintenance, marking a significant step in ensuring the safety and efficiency of its rail services.
The trains, which have been operational since 2022, will undergo Periodical Overhauling (POH) at an Indian Railways workshop in Lucknow, India. This maintenance is crucial for the continued safe operation of the trains, as POH involves a comprehensive examination and servicing of all train components. During the maintenance period, services on the Jayanagar–Janakpur route will continue with a replacement train provided by India. However, this replacement train lacks air-conditioned coaches, offering only general class accommodations. The Indian train will operate three daily trips on the Jayanagar–Janakpur route and one trip on the Janakpur–Bhangaha section.
The overhauling process in Lucknow will include repairs to various train components, such as wheels, engines, bogies, and seats. Some air-conditioned coach seats in the Nepali trains had torn or broken parts, which will be addressed during the overhaul. This maintenance is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure that the trains meet safety standards and provide a comfortable travel experience for passengers. Initially, India had sought charges for using the railway route up to Lucknow. However, these fees have been waived, with India providing the replacement train and covering maintenance costs. The replacement train, originating from Sakurbasti, India, consists of six general coaches and will operate using only one engine while in Nepal.
The collaboration between Nepal and India in railway operations has been ongoing since the inauguration of the Jayanagar–Kurtha cross-border railway in April 2022. The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) of India has been managing the operations and maintenance of the railway service, providing technical manpower and training to Nepalese staff. However, Nepal has faced challenges in training its own personnel to operate the railway service independently. Despite offers from India to train Nepali technical staff free of cost, Nepal has been unable to send its staff to India for various reasons. As a result, Nepal is considering extending its contract with KRCL for another year to ensure the continued operation of the railway service. The decision is pending, but it highlights the ongoing dependency on Indian expertise for the operation of the cross-border railway.
This maintenance and the ongoing collaboration between Nepal and India underscore the importance of cross-border infrastructure development in enhancing connectivity and fostering bilateral relations. The railway service has not only improved transportation between the two countries but also contributed to economic growth and cultural exchange. The maintenance of the trains in India also reflects the technical capabilities and expertise of Indian Railways in handling complex overhauling processes. The successful completion of this maintenance will ensure that the trains are safe and efficient, ready to serve passengers once again.
In conclusion, the scheduled maintenance of Nepal’s trains in India is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border connectivity and ensure the safety and efficiency of rail services. The collaboration between Nepal and India in this regard sets a positive precedent for future infrastructure projects and strengthens the ties between the two nations.
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