World · South & Central Asia · 1 hr ago
Weekly train planned between Ayodhya and Nepal’s Janakpur Dham
Indian Railways has approved a weekly train between Ayodhya and Janakpur Dham in Nepal, linking the two places by rail.
Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, is associated with Lord Ram, while Janakpur Dham is regarded as the birthplace of Mata Sita.
The route will cover about 604 kilometres and pass through towns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The train is expected to serve pilgrims and other cross-border travellers, including people travelling for education, business or family visits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah are likely to inaugurate it virtually on November 23, with the first run departing from Ayodhya Dham.
Regular service is expected to begin within a week of that proposed inauguration.
The train will run once a week, leaving Janakpur Dham on Saturdays and Ayodhya Cantt on Mondays; detailed timings and fares are expected separately.
Indian Railways is planning a weekly train service between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
The route will cover about 604 kilometres and connect two destinations associated with the Ramayana tradition.
The service is scheduled to depart Janakpur Dham on Saturdays and Ayodhya Cantt on Mondays.
The proposed inauguration is on November 23, with regular operations expected to begin within a week.
The service is intended to support religious travel and cross-border connections between India and Nepal.
- Who
- Indian Railways will operate the service between Janakpur Dham and Ayodhya.
- What
- A new weekly cross-border train service is planned.
- When
- The proposed inauguration is November 23, 2026. Regular operations are expected to begin within a week.
- Where
- Between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- To connect two places associated with the Ramayana tradition and support travel between India and Nepal.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
India and Nepal held discussions on cross-border railway links, including passenger services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section.
The Railways Ministry announced the planned weekly service.
The proposed date for the train's virtual inauguration.
Regular operations are expected to begin.
- Route distance
- Approximately 604 kilometres
- Janakpur Dham departure
- Saturday
- Ayodhya Cantt departure
- Monday
- Planned inauguration
- November 23, 2026
- Commercial stoppages
- Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham
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What people are saying
India and Nepal share centuries-old cultural, historical and social bonds, with religious traditions and cross-border community relationships forming 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.