Nepal Protest: Roads, Highways Hit Amid Violence. But What About Trains & Metros?

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 13:47 IST

Nepal’s Gen Z-led protests have forced the suspension of the only India-Nepal rail service.

Nepal’s youth protests began on September 8. (Photo Credit: X)

Nepal’s Gen Z-led protests have grown into one of the country’s most intense uprisings in recent years. What began as a peaceful demonstration against a short-lived social media ban, with thousands of young people calling for political reform, transparency and an end to corruption, turned violent. The protests started on September 8 in Kathmandu and spread to cities like Pokhara, Butwal and Birgunj.

Thousands of demonstrators stormed parliament, forcing the prime minister to resign, while arson attacks targeted government buildings, offices, luxury hotels, and elite residences. Five-star hotels such as the Hilton, Hyatt Regency, and Varnabas Museum Hotel were among the properties attacked.

Impact On Nepal’s Railway Routes

Despite the widespread destruction, there are no specific reports of damage to railway lines or related infrastructure, as the protests primarily focused on government offices, parliament and other urban centres. Nepal’s rail network is still limited, with most lines either under construction or in the planning stage. Major projects, including the India-Nepal Railway Connectivity Project and other proposed expansions, have faced slow progress due to funding and technical challenges.

Earlier this year, India and Nepal reviewed the progress of cross-border railway links in meetings held in New Delhi. Discussions included ongoing broad-gauge railway line projects financed with Indian government grants, along with technical cooperation on capacity building, logistics, and training for Nepali railway personnel. Despite these efforts, overall railway development has remained slow, meaning that there was little operational infrastructure at risk during the protests.

Cross-Border Rail Suspended

According to reports, authorities have indefinitely suspended India-Nepal rail services as a precaution amid the ongoing unrest in Kathmandu. The Nepal Railway Company Ltd (NRCL) stopped the Jayanagar-Kurtha DEMU passenger service on the evening of September 9. This train is the only operational rail link between the two countries.

The cross-border service began operations on April 3, 2022. It runs between Jayanagar in India and Kurtha in Nepal, covering a 35-km route with eight stations, including the culturally significant Janakpur Dham.

The suspension disrupts a vital corridor used by workers, traders and pilgrims. Railway officials have reportedly advised passengers to use road transport until further updates are issued on when services will resume.

Metros In Nepal?

Nepal currently has no operational metro system, including in Kathmandu, although multiple proposals and feasibility studies have been conducted over the years. Plans for mass rapid transit in the Kathmandu Valley aim to address severe traffic congestion and support the region’s growing population. However, these projects are still in the planning and study phases and have not been affected by the recent protests.

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