New Delhi, 14 November 2026: In an important step towards strengthening India-Nepal connectivity, Indian Railways has given permission to start a new weekly train service between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India. This service will establish an important rail link between two places deeply associated with the Ramayana tradition – Janakpur Dham, revered as the birthplace of Mother Sita, and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. This initiative will provide travelers from both countries better access to these major religious and cultural centres, as well as strengthen their shared cultural heritage.
Service connecting major points across the border
Covering a distance of approximately 604 kilometers, this weekly service will pass through many important towns and cities of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and connect Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya Cantt. Apart from its terminal stations, this train will get commercial stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham. This service will run once a week, whose departure days will be Saturday from Janakpur Dham and Monday from Ayodhya Cantt.
Boost tourism, trade and regional development
The new service is expected to make cross-border travel more convenient for travelers, tourists and other passengers. It will facilitate religious journeys between Janakpur and Ayodhya, promote the tourism circuit associated with Ramayana and provide greater mobility to people traveling for education, business and family purposes. The improved rail access is also expected to benefit local economies along the route by creating opportunities for tourism operators, hospitality establishments, local traders and traditional artisans. For communities in the border areas of Bihar and Nepal, this service will provide an additional passenger transportation option and strengthen economic and social connectivity.
Strengthening India-Nepal friendship
India and Nepal share centuries-old cultural, historical and social ties, with religious traditions and cross-border community ties being an integral part of this partnership. The new train service will add a new 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 activities and the enduring friendship between the two neighboring countries.