Janakpur-Ayodhya train link in focus during Nepal PM Balen's India visit

Nov 12, 2026

Janakpur (Nepal), Nov 12 (ANI): A new railway link connecting two of the most revered destinations associated with the Ramayana could soon add a fresh dimension to India-Nepal relations. The proposed Janakpur-Ayodhya train service is expected to feature during Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah's upcoming visit to India, with both countries working towards finalising operational arrangements for the cross-border connection. Nepal's railway authorities say preparations for a Janakpur- Ayodhya train are well advanced, and they expect the remaining hurdles to be cleared within weeks. The two countries have already initiated discussions on operationalising the service. Officials from India and Nepal met at the railway station rest house in Jaynagar to discuss signalling systems, immigration, customs procedures, passenger facilities and security arrangements. Officials from both countries subsequently inspected the Jaynagar-Jan akpurdham-Kurtha railway section. Earlier this month, a 17-coach Indian train, numbered WDP-4D 40370, conducted a trial run from Jaynagar to Kurtha, marking another step towards operationalising the proposed service. The train is expected to depart Janakpurdham for Ayodhya and return the following day. While Janakpurdham and Jaynagar are the proposed stations in Nepal, the Indian-side stations and exact route are yet to be finalised. The proposed route will cover around 464 kilometres.