Railways approves weekly train service connecting Nepal's Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya

Railways on Saturday approved a weekly train service linking Janakpur Dham in Nepal with Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, creating a new cross-border rail connection between two destinations associated with the Ramayana. The service will cover around 604 km between Janakpur Dham and Ayodhya Cantt, passing through towns and cities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the ministry of Railways said in a press release. The train will depart from Janakpur Dham every Saturday and from Ayodhya Cantt. every Monday. Its commercial stoppages will include Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham.

The ministry said the service would make travel easier for pilgrims and tourists visiting Janakpur Dham, regarded as the birthplace of Mata Sita, and Ayodhya, associated with the birthplace of Lord Ram. It is also expected to support travel for education, business and family-related purposes. Improved connectivity could benefit tourism operators, hotels, local traders and traditional artisans along the route, while offering another transport option to people living in border areas of Nepal and Bihar, the ministry said. The approval follows discussions between Indian and Nepali officials on operational arrangements for the service.