Indian Railways has approved a new weekly train service connecting Janakpur Dham in Nepal with Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step towards strengthening cross-border connectivity and promoting religious tourism between the two neighbouring countries.
The proposed service will link two important destinations associated with the Ramayana tradition—Janakpur Dham, revered as the birthplace of Mata Sita, and Ayodhya, regarded as the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. The rail connection is expected to make travel between these prominent religious and cultural centres more convenient for pilgrims, tourists and other passengers while reinforcing the shared civilizational heritage of India and Nepal.
Covering approximately 604 kilometres, the train will connect Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya Cantt., passing through several towns and cities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Besides the terminal stations, it will have commercial stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham.
The weekly service will originate from Janakpur Dham on Saturdays and from Ayodhya Cantt. on Mondays.
The new rail link is expected to facilitate religious journeys between Janakpur and Ayodhya and encourage the development of tourism circuits associated with the Ramayana. It will also provide improved travel options for people crossing the border for education, business and family-related purposes.
The service is expected to benefit local economies along the route by creating opportunities for tourism operators, hospitality businesses, traders and traditional artisans. Communities in Nepal and the border regions of Bihar will gain an additional passenger transport option, potentially strengthening economic and social connections.
India and Nepal share longstanding historical, cultural and social ties, with religious traditions and cross-border community relationships forming an important part of their bilateral partnership. The new train service is expected to add another dimension to this relationship by improving mobility and bringing communities closer.
The initiative reflects Indian Railways’ efforts to expand passenger connectivity while supporting regional tourism, local economic activity and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
(PIB)
