Three years after its last train hit the buffers, Nepal is building a new railway network to boost its ailing economy – helped by the rivalry between its powerful neighbours, China and India.
The railway to India was a lifeline for the small southern frontier town of Janakpur, used to import everything from confectionery to clothes and cosmetics and fuelling a vibrant border economy.
But it fell into disrepair after years of neglect and since 2014 the train hasn’t moved, its rusting carcasses now a children’s playground, while Janakpur’s markets are empty.
“When the train was running, we would have a lot of business. I was easily providing [for] my family,” said Shyam Sah, whose small cosmetics shop has suffered an 80 per cent drop in profits since the railway closed.
