Railway versus road transportation

Advantages of railway over road

1. High capacity and low cost per tonne-km for bulk goods over long distances.
2. Lower energy use and operating cost per tonne-km; electric traction is possible.
3. Safer per passenger-km, with fewer accidents and less pollution.
4. Less congestion: the track is separate from other traffic and has its own right of way.
5. Reliable and punctual, and little affected by weather; good for long-distance passengers.
6. Long life of the track, with no wear of public roads by heavy freight.
7. Comfortable long journeys, with space to move, sleep and carry large luggage.

Disadvantages of railway compared with road

1. Very high capital cost for tracks, stations, bridges and tunnels.
2. No door-to-door service: transhipment at the station adds cost and time and causes extra loss/damage.
3. Fixed route and timetable - low flexibility.
4. Unsuitable for short distances and small loads.
5. Needs gentle gradients (about 1 in 100) and large-radius curves; difficult in hills.
6. Long construction time and large land acquisition; needs trained manpower.
7. Maintenance of the track and rolling stock is costly.

Because of its flexibility and low initial cost, road transport is better suited to hilly Nepal; rail suits the Terai corridors with heavy freight.