Railway versus air transportation

Merits of railway over air

1. Lower cost per passenger and per tonne-km, so it is cheaper for bulk and heavy goods.
2. Large capacity: can carry thousands of passengers or large quantities of goods at a time.
3. Less affected by weather (fog, wind), so more reliable.
4. Cheaper terminals: stations are cheaper than airports and nearer to the city centre.
5. Less fuel use per tonne-km, and more environment-friendly if electrified.
6. More space and comfort on long trips; passengers can move about, sleep and carry large luggage.
7. Can serve many intermediate stations along the route.

Demerits of railway compared with air

1. Slower; takes much more time over long distances.
2. High investment in tracks, bridges and tunnels, especially in rough terrain; fixed route.
3. Cannot reach mountains, islands or places without track; air can reach remote areas directly.
4. Not suitable for urgent and perishable high-value goods.
5. Land acquisition is needed for the entire length.
6. Needs gentle gradients, so long detours are needed in hilly country.

For Nepal, air transport is more practical for the remote hills, while rail is limited to short Terai links (e.g. Jaynagar-Janakpur-Kurtha); the East-West railway and the Raxaul-Kathmandu and Kerung-Kathmandu lines are only proposed.