China-Nepal Railway aims to connect China’s Tibet Autonomous Region (specifically Shigatse, an extension of the existing Qinghai-Tibet Railway) with Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It’s envisioned as a “game-changer” for Nepal, transforming it from a landlocked to a “land-linked” country and enhancing connectivity with China and South Asia. The railway passes through the Himalayas, which presents immense engineering challenges. The China-Nepal Railway will involve a significant amount of tunneling, especially on the Nepalese side, due to the challenging Himalayan terrain.
Nepalese Section: The 72.25 km (44.89 mi) Nepalese section of the railway is particularly demanding. Estimates suggest that 95% to 98.5% of this section will consist of bridges or tunnels.
Overall Tunneling: While specific total tunnel lengths vary in reports, some sources indicate that the entire China-Nepal Railway, which has a total length of approximately 540-599 km, will have a very high proportion of tunnels and bridges. One source states that out of the total length of the railway, a staggering 540 kilometers are comprised of bridges and tunnels.
Himalayas Tunnel: A major part of the project includes the “Himalayas Tunnel,” which is expected to be approximately 30 kilometers long. Due to the extreme elevation changes and complex geology. This is why China’s “Jinghua” tunnel boring machine is crucial to the project.
Feasibility Study: A detailed feasibility study for the project is underway. The first phase was completed between March 2023 and January 2024, and a second phase began in March 2024. Ground surveying is estimated to be 60% complete as of late November 2024. The geological prospecting work is expected to be completed by June 2025, and the overall feasibility study is anticipated to be completed in 2026.
Construction: While the project has been agreed upon, actual construction, particularly on the more challenging Nepalese side, has not yet fully commenced. The Chinese section of the railway (Shigatse-Gyirong) is planned to start construction in 2025 and could open around 2030.
Funding: A major hurdle is the funding for the Nepalese section, which is estimated to cost billions of dollars (between US$2.7 billion and US$5.5 billion) – a significant amount compared to Nepal’s annual economic output. Nepal is reportedly unable to bear the full cost, and there are discussions and concerns about whether China will provide grant arrangements or loans.
While the China-Nepal Railway will traverse very high altitudes, the existing Qinghai-Tibet Railway in China already holds the record for the world’s highest railway, reaching a peak of 5,068 meters (16,627 ft) at Tanggula Pass. The China-Nepal railway is an extension of this existing high-altitude network. India also has the Chenab Bridge, which is the world’s highest railway bridge (359 meters above the riverbed) and was completed and inaugurated in August 2022, with full use expected by April 2025.
The “Jinghua” is an extra-large tunnel boring machine (TBM) with independent intellectual property rights, manufactured in China. It is also referred to as the largest earth pressure balance (EPB) tunnel boring machine.
Size and Weight: It has an excavation diameter of 12.79 meters, is 135 meters long, and weighs 3,000 tons.
Power: It has an installed power of 7,500 kilowatts (kW).
Cutter Head: It features an eight-spoke heavy-duty cutter head equipped with 19-inch cutters, capable of boring through rocks and dirt.
Application: It is used in the construction of the railway from Chengdu City to Zigong City in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.
India is sensitive to and opposes the project due to Nepal’s geographic and economic dependence on India. Historical and cultural factors contribute to India’s sense of pressure and superiority over Nepal. India has previously used trade blockades to exert influence. For Nepal, the railway offers a chance to overcome its landlocked condition and reduce its dependence on India by providing a new trade route with China. This could enhance Nepal’s international standing.
