Indian Railways Approves Weekly Train Service Connecting Nepal’s Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya

Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a weekly passenger train service connecting Janakpur Dham in Nepal with Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant development in cross-border railway connectivity between India and Nepal. The proposed service will strengthen transport links between two important centres of the Rāmāyaṇa tradition while providing an additional travel option for pilgrims, tourists and passengers from both countries.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the new train will connect Janakpur Dham, traditionally revered as the birthplace of Mata Sita, with Ayodhya, the birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram. The initiative reflects the shared cultural and religious heritage of India and Nepal and is intended to facilitate travel between destinations associated with the lives of Rāma and Sītā.

Weekly Train to Cover Approximately 604 Kilometres

The approved train service will cover approximately 604 kilometres between Janakpur Dham and Ayodhya Cantt., passing through important railway stations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The route will connect several towns and regional centres, providing passengers with access to a wider railway network on both sides of the India-Nepal border.

The train will have scheduled commercial stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham, in addition to its originating and terminating stations. These stops will enable passengers from several districts to use the service for religious journeys and other travel requirements.

Under the approved operating arrangement, the train will originate from Janakpur Dham every Saturday and from Ayodhya Cantt. every Monday. The weekly schedule is designed to establish a regular passenger connection between the two religious centres.

Strengthening the Rāmāyaṇa Tourism Circuit

The railway connection is particularly significant because of the historical and religious associations of Janakpur and Ayodhya. In the Rāmāyaṇa tradition, Janakpur is associated with King Janaka and the marriage of Sītā and Rāma, while Ayodhya is revered as the birthplace and royal capital of Rāma. Both destinations attract pilgrims and visitors who seek to explore locations associated with the epic.

The proposed railway service will provide an additional transport option for pilgrims travelling between these two centres. Improved connectivity could also support the development of tourism itineraries linking other religious and cultural destinations in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.

Sitamarhi, another important destination associated with Sītā, is among the scheduled stops. The inclusion of such locations will help connect multiple centres of religious significance through a single railway route, supporting travel associated with the broader Rāmāyaṇa heritage.

Supporting Cross-Border Travel and Regional Economic Activity

Beyond religious tourism, the weekly railway service is intended to improve passenger mobility between India and Nepal. The route will serve communities that maintain longstanding social, commercial and family relationships across the international border.

The proposed connection could benefit local tourism operators, hotels, transport providers, traders and traditional artisans by improving access to destinations along the route. Increased passenger movement may also create opportunities for businesses associated with pilgrimage tourism, hospitality and local commerce.

For residents of border regions, the service will provide another railway travel option for educational, commercial and personal journeys. Its scheduled stoppages at important towns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh will also improve access to the wider Indian railway network.

Reinforcing India-Nepal Cultural and Bilateral Relations

India and Nepal share extensive historical, religious, linguistic and cultural connections, supported by longstanding interactions among communities on both sides of the border. The traditions associated with Rāma and Sītā occupy an important place in this relationship, with Janakpur and Ayodhya representing two of its most prominent cultural centres.

The approval of the weekly railway service represents another initiative to strengthen bilateral connectivity through transport infrastructure. By linking culturally significant destinations, the service is intended to facilitate people-to-people contact while supporting tourism and regional economic activity.

The Ministry of Railways announced the approval on November 14, 2026. The announcement concerns the introduction of the service, and its approval should be distinguished from the commencement of regular passenger operations.