Janakpurdham, November 5
A test run has been conducted for the special train service planned between Janakpurdham and Ayodhya in India. An Indian special train, comprising two WDP 4D 40403 locomotives and seven coaches, was test-run from Jayanagar in India to Kurtha station in Janakpurdham.
According to Dhanusha Assistant Chief District Officer Bhudev Jha, the train arrived in Janakpurdham at 11 am after undergoing a test run from Jayanagar in India’s Bihar state. He said preparations were underway for the prime ministers of Nepal and India to jointly inaugurate the service during Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s visit to India.
A team of senior Indian railway officials, including East Central Railway, Hajipur, Additional General Manager Amarendra Kumar, the railway’s Track Operations Manager and Chief Security Commander, travelled on the train for the test run. Nepali officials also participated in the inspection from Jayanagar to Kurtha.
Nepal Railway Company Managing Director Paribesh Parajuli, Dhanusha Assistant Chief District Officer Bhudev Jha and Dhanusha Superintendent of Police Rupesh Khadka were among those present.
The test conducted on Thursday is also known as a ‘dry run’. It involves technical inspections of railway tracks, security arrangements and other operational aspects.
According to Parajuli, the special train service was test-run as part of preparations for its operation.
“Preparations are underway to inaugurate the special train service during Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India. As part of these preparations, a team of Indian railway representatives and technicians conducted the test run,” he said.
He added that a date for the commencement of the service had not yet been fixed, as the concerned authorities were still conducting inspections. The service will begin only after all operational, management, technical and administrative preparations are completed.
“The commencement of the service has not been finalised yet. Various agencies are conducting inspections. The operation of the train will be announced only after everything is confirmed,” he said. “Discussions are underway on how to operate the service, maintenance requirements, and technical and administrative matters. The train was operated on the route for a field test. The service will begin once all preparations are fully completed.”
Railway officials also held discussions with Nepali railway and security officials during the test run. However, a framework for operating the Janakpurdham-Ayodhya train service has yet to be finalised. Discussions between the two sides on various aspects of the service will continue until it comes into operation.
Nepal currently has only one railway service, operating between Janakpur and Jayanagar. Therefore, the service to Ayodhya will initially use Indian trains, Parajuli said. Nepal will be responsible for overseeing operations on its side of the border.
“The operational model has not been finalised. Even if the service begins now, Indian trains will operate it. Our trains may also be used in the future,” he said. “We will handle operational issues on the Nepali side, while the Indian side will look after the train and matters concerning its operations in India.”
A few days ago, a team of railway, security, customs and immigration officials from Nepal and India had also conducted an on-site inspection of the Jayanagar-Janakpurdham-Kurtha railway section using a special inspection vehicle.
Hopes for stronger ties, growth in trade and business
The proposed train service between Janakpurdham and Ayodhya is expected to boost tourism in Janakpurdham. With Janakpurdham, the birthplace of Sita, and Ayodhya, the city associated with Lord Ram, set to be directly connected by rail, pilgrims and religious tourists travelling along the Ramayana Circuit are expected to find it easier to visit both destinations.
There are also growing expectations that the service will strengthen the religious and cultural ties between the two countries.
Businesspeople are optimistic that the direct railway connection will boost trade and commercial activities in Janakpurdham, the capital of Madhesh Province. Surendra Bhandari, president of the Janakpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the service would directly benefit Nepal as a whole.
“The previous government had also initiated efforts to introduce the railway service. It is now moving towards operation. The arrival of tourists will certainly benefit businesses in Janakpurdham. Moreover, when these tourists visit different parts of the country, it will help promote tourism across Nepal,” he said.
According to Bhandari, there have also been repeated discussions about launching air services between Janakpurdham and Ayodhya, but no such service has come into operation so far.
Currently, Nepal’s only railway service operates between Bhangaha in Mahottari district and Jayanagar in India.
