For Bihar, trade with China through the rail link will be easier along this route than through Kolkata, saving time, cost and distance, it said. A cross-border railroad link to the Rasuwagadhi area in Nepal has already been discussed between the two countries. China’s railroad is expected to reach Nepal border by 2020, an article in the state-run Global Times said. This rail line makes it possible to connect China to India as from Rasuwagadhi to Birgunj, which borders Bihar is only 240 km, the article said. Having already expanded its influence in Nepal with road and rail network through Tibet, China is now looking to stretch its railway link to Bihar in order to improve connectivity with India and South Asia, state-run Chinese media reported on Tuesday.

Source: Hindustan Times May 24, 2016 02:45 UTC