Indian Railways approves weekly train service connecting Janakpurdham and Ayodhya
NEW DELHI — Indian Railways has granted approval to operate a weekly passenger train service connecting Janakpurdham in Nepal with Ayodhya in India, linking two major religious sites associated with the Ramayana.
Janakpurdham is revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, while Ayodhya is regarded as the birthplace of Lord Ram.
According to a press statement issued by India’s Ministry of Railways on Saturday, the train will travel across several key cities in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Commercial stoppages for boarding and alighting passengers have been scheduled at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, and Mankapur.
The weekly service will depart from Janakpurdham every Saturday and make its return journey from Ayodhya Cantt every Monday, the ministry stated.
The new rail link is expected to significantly ease travel for religious pilgrims and general passengers from both countries. According to the Indian Railway Ministry, the initiative will not only expand cross-border passenger movement, but also boost religious tourism, stimulate economic activity, and further strengthen bilateral ties between Nepal and India.
