New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved a new weekly Janakpur Dham Ayodhya train service between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The service aims to strengthen India-Nepal connectivity. It will link two destinations associated with the Ramayana tradition. Janakpur Dham is revered as the birthplace of Mata Sita, and Ayodhya is the birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram.
The train will cover approximately 604 kilometres and connect Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya Cantt. It will pass through several towns and cities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The service will operate once a week. It will originate on Saturdays from Janakpur Dham and on Mondays from Ayodhya Cantt.
The train will have commercial stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham, besides its terminal stations. The initiative will give passengers from both countries improved access to these religious and cultural centres. It also reinforces their shared civilizational heritage.
Janakpur Dham Ayodhya train to boost tourism and trade
The new service is expected to make cross-border travel more convenient for pilgrims, tourists and other passengers. It will facilitate religious journeys between the two cities and encourage tourism circuits linked to the Ramayana. It will also give people greater mobility for education, business and family-related travel.
Improved rail access is also expected to benefit local economies along the route. Tourism operators, hospitality establishments, local traders and traditional artisans stand to gain new opportunities. For communities in the border regions of Bihar and Nepal, the service will offer an additional passenger transport option. It will also strengthen economic and social linkages.
India and Nepal share centuries-old cultural, historical and social bonds. Religious traditions and cross-border community relationships form an integral part of this partnership. The new train service will add another dimension to bilateral cooperation by using railway connectivity to bring communities closer. Through this initiative, Indian Railways continues to expand passenger connectivity while supporting regional tourism, economic activity and the enduring friendship between the two neighbouring countries.
