Janakpur, May 30 – Nearly four years since their initial launch, both of Nepal’s trains are being dispatched to Lucknow, India, for planned servicing.
Niranjan Jha, who serves as the managing director for Nepal Railway Company, stated that beginning this upcoming Sunday, the trains will be sent to an Indian Railways workshop located in Lucknow for Periodical Overhauling (POH). According to him, POH encompasses thorough servicing of every component within the train. “This process constitutes regular maintenance,” explained Jha.
During the repairs of the Nepal-owned trains, operations will proceed using an alternate train supplied by India. It should be noted that this substitute train lacks air conditioning. As stated by Jha, “The train from India features solely standard-class carriages.” The alternative service will include three daily round-trips between Jayanagar and Janakpur, along with one trip per day connecting Janakpur to Bhangaha throughout the duration of the maintenance work.
Tula Dangi, who serves as the acting administrative officer for the Nepal Railway Company, mentioned that the refurbishment taking place in Lucknow will encompass maintenance work on wheels, engines, bogies, seating areas, and various other elements. Certain air-conditioned coaches within Nepalese railways featured damaged or worn-out seat sections; these issues are set to be addressed through this comprehensive renovation process.
At first, India requested charges for utilizing the railway route as far as Lucknow; however, officials stated that subsequently, all fees related to track usage, maintenance, and the substitute train were waived.
The substitute train departing from Sakurbasti, India, which consists of six standard coaches, will run utilizing just one locomotive whilst in Nepal.