Indian Railways to connect Nepal’s Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya through weekly train service
Indian Railways is launching a new weekly train service connecting Janakpur Dham in Nepal to Ayodhya in India. The route aims to strengthen cultural and religious ties between the two nations.
Why it matters
This initiative serves as a tool for soft power and regional diplomacy, leveraging shared religious heritage to improve bilateral cooperation.
Indian Railways is going to operate a new weekly train service between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The Ministry of Railways stated in a statement on Saturday (November 14, 2026) that the initiative is to link two places which are associated with “the Ramayana tradition – Janakpur Dham the birthplace of Mata Sita, and Ayodhya, the birthplace Lord Ram.” The route will cover approximately 604 kilometres, connecting Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya Cantt., passing through several towns and cities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The train will have stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur, and Ayodhya Dham, besides its terminal stations.
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