PM Modi, Nepal PM Balendra Shah likely to flag off Ayodhya-Janakpur train virtually on Nov 23

NewsIndia NewsPM Modi, Nepal PM Balendra Shah likely to flag off Ayodhya-Janakpur train virtually on Nov 23 PM Modi, Nepal PM Balendra Shah likely to flag off Ayodhya-Janakpur train virtually on Nov 23 The inaugural run will be from Ayodhya Dham on Nov 23 (Representative image) LUCKNOW: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah are likely to jointly inaugurate the new Ayodhya Dham-Janakpur Dham train service virtually from New Delhi on Nov 23, establishing a direct rail link between two prominent religious destinations associated with Lord Ram and Mata Sita.The Indian Railways has approved the weekly service connecting Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh with Janakpur Dham in Nepal.

Regular operations are expected to begin within a week of the proposed inauguration.Railway officials said the train would operate with conventional Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, comprising air-conditioned and sleeper accommodation, offering passengers an additional option for cross-border travel.The train will cover approximately 604 km, connecting Janakpur Dham, regarded as the birthplace of Mata Sita, with Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram.“The inaugural run will be from Ayodhya Dham on Nov 23, but the commercial service of the train will have Ayodhya Cantt as originating station,” said an official source of Lucknow division of Northern Railway.According to the approved route, the train will have commercial stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham, besides its terminal stations.

The weekly service will originate from Janakpur Dham on Saturdays and from Ayodhya Cantt on Mondays. Detailed timings and fares are expected to be announced separately.Railway officials said the service was primarily aimed at facilitating travel between the two religious centres, which attract pilgrims from India and Nepal throughout the year.Join conversation InsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig Development Apart from religious tourism, the train is expected to benefit passengers travelling for education, business and family visits across the international border.Officials said improved connectivity could also support tourism-related businesses, including hotels, transport operators, local traders and artisans along the route.The proposed service is part of efforts to strengthen passenger connectivity between India and Nepal, which share longstanding cultural, religious and social ties.

It is also expected to facilitate travel along the Ramayana tourism circuit spanning the two countries. Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. A journalist with a can-do spirit and a flair for compelling storytelling.

From railways, aviation to defence, election, technology, governance, infrastructure, social development and various other diverse beats, his reportage reflects depth. A four time Times Scribe Award recipient, he also leads the Times of India Lucknow social media team.

PM Modi’s Office Summons Telecom Secretary Over Fake Court Orders Used To Block 129 Websites ‘India No Longer a Democracy’: Rahul Gandhi's All-Out Attack On Modi Govt At Bharat Summit 'Jaundiced Assessments': India Hits Back At USCIRF Over Sharjeel Imam Remarks Divya Decodes: Why Is India's Air Pollution Crisis So Hard to Solve?

'Daro Mat': BJP Asks Sonia To Return 51 Cartons Of Nehru's Letters To Edwina Mountbatten, Others Modi Govt Extends Ban On Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation For 5 Years Under UAPA Sonam Wangchuk Under ‘House Arrest’ As Leh Apex Body Seeks To Postpone Winter Polls Dead Fish In Yamuna: BJP Accuses AAP Of Staging Incident, Kejriwal's Party Hits Back Indonesian Woman With Alleged Chinese Links Caught At Sonauli Border With Multiple Indian IDs