New Delhi: In a significant move to strengthen cross-border connectivity and promote religious tourism, Indian Railways has approved a new weekly train service connecting Janakpur Dham in Nepal with Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India. The initiative is expected to bring people of the two neighbouring countries closer while reinforcing their shared cultural, historical and religious heritage.
The proposed train service will connect two important destinations associated with the Ramayana tradition.
Janakpur Dham is celebrated as the birthplace of Mata Sita, while Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram. The new rail link will make travel between these two sacred places more convenient for pilgrims, tourists and other passengers.
According to the announcement issued by the Press Information Bureau on Saturday, the train will cover approximately 604 kilometres between Janakpur Dham and Ayodhya Cantt. During its journey, it will pass through several important towns and cities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The train will have commercial stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham, apart from its terminal stations.
The weekly service will originate from Janakpur Dham every Saturday, while the return journey from Ayodhya Cantt. will begin every Monday.
This arrangement is expected to provide passengers with an additional and convenient travel option between the two countries.
The new railway connection will give a major boost to religious tourism. Devotees interested in exploring destinations associated with the Ramayana will benefit from this connectivity. It will also encourage the development of cross-border tourism circuits and make pilgrimage journeys easier for people from India and Nepal.
Apart from religious tourism, the service is expected to benefit students, business travellers, families and local communities.
Improved connectivity could create new economic opportunities for hotels, restaurants and transport operators. Small traders and traditional artisans along the route will also benefit.
It is significant for the border regions of Bihar and Nepal. Stronger transport connections across the border can support trade, employment and social interaction.
India and Nepal share centuries-old cultural, historical and social relationships.
The introduction of this train service represents another important step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and people-to-people connection.
–IANS–
