Kathmandu, July 18 -- ever rail cargo service from Kolkata, India, to Biratnagar officially began on Friday, marking a major milestone in Nepal's transit and trade logistics by extending direct rail access beyond Birgunj for the first time.

Under the Nepal-India Transit Treaty, goods imported from third countries are transported through Indian territory to Nepal's border. In line with the treaty, which allows Nepal to use Indian road, rail and inland waterways for third-country imports and exports, rail cargo transportation from Kolkata to Biratnagar has now commenced.

On November 4 last year, India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Department of Revenue, amended the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) ...