Indian Railways to connect Nepal’s Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya through weekly train service

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. Railways Ministry said that the service will operate once a week, with its originating days being Saturday from Janakpur Dham and Monday from Ayodhya Cantt. Citing the role of railway connectivity on bilateral cooperation, the Ministry said in a statement, “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.” India and Nepal have held discussions on cross-border railway links, including passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section, and bilateral cooperation in the sector in June this year. India, Nepal discuss cross-border rail connectivity storyline 1