Construction of the railway line and station in Bardi­bas, Mahottari, where Nepal’s planned north-south and east-west routes converge, has been delayed due to land compensation disputes.

Work on the stretch from Bhangaha to Bardi­bas remains stalled because 14 households have not received compensation, estimated at Rs70–80 million, preventing the station from being constructed.

The railway section from Jayanagar in India to Bhangaha has been completed with Indian support and is already operational. However, without compensation, construction towards Bardi­bas cannot progress.

The Department of Railways sent the compensation file to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport this week after continuous protests, pressure, and sit-ins by the affected families, said local Uddhav Budhathoki.

“The compensation file has reached the ministry, but things are still being delayed,” Budhathoki said. “There is hope that the compensation will be received soon, but it still feels like it might get postponed again.”

Director General of the Department of Railways Hari Kumar Pokharel said that the compensation file has reached the ministry.

Officials said that compensation distribution has begun for farmers’ homes in Bardi­bas, Kisan Nagar, and Bhangaha, with the remaining 14 households to be included.

Residents, including 90-year-old Ambika Adhikari, expressed cautious optimism, noting that compensation would finally allow them to repair damaged homes. Janaki Shahi from Bardi­bas said she hopes the long-awaited payments will be made soon.

Delays have been compounded by administrative lapses. Former Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising had included compensation distribution in the 100-day agenda, but files were not sent back to the railway department, leaving work on land acquisition and boundary marking incomplete. Lack of coordination between the railway department and the ministry caused technical and compensation issues to drag on for years, according to resident Khadga Bahadur Singh.

Former director Ajay Mul was criticised for forming a study team during his one-year tenure without taking tangible action on compensation.

Current Director General Pokharel said the department has taken steps from scratch to push the compensation file to the ministry, giving Bardi­bas residents renewed hope. Compensation files for farmers in the Dhanusha–Kolalghad area are still under review by the railway department.