June 22, 2007 (LPAC)--In a study published on June 21, the South Asian Association for Regional Conference (SAARC)-led Regional Multi-modal Transport Study (SRMTS) has proposed for Nepal four regional-level roads and two railroads to strengthen inter-linking of SAARC nations. SAARC nations are part of the southern corridor of the Eurasian land bridge. The study has asked Nepal to give priority to the railroads to enhance its trade volumes with neighboring nations.

The report said that the road network could be instrumental for Nepal to have access to sea ports in member nations. It has identified a total of 18 road networks, including 14 of which are in operation. While the study suggested linking up Kathmandu with the Indian port of Kolkata and the Bangladeshi port of Chittagong by two separate roads, it also proposed a road which would link Kathmandu to Karachi in Pakistan running through New Delhi and Lahore. The fourth road will be to link the Indian city of Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh to Kathmandu.

The first railway line would link Nepal from Birgunj to Bangladesh's port of Chittagong via India s Raxaul and Katihar. The second railway track will pass through Birgunj-Raxaul and reach the seaport of Kolkata in India.