Kathmandu, October 30
Preparations to launch a special train service connecting Janakpurdham with Ayodhya, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination in India, have reached their final stage.
The service is expected to be jointly inaugurated by the prime ministers of Nepal and India during Prime Minister Balen Shah’s upcoming visit to India, said Paribesh Parajuli, managing director of Nepal Railway Company.
“We are preparing to inaugurate the special train service during Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India,” Parajuli said. “Discussions are underway at various levels among the railway companies, customs authorities and security officials of both countries.”
Although an inauguration date has not yet been fixed, preparations are being made to launch the service during the visit. Prime Minister Shah is expected to travel to India from November 22.
Parajuli said discussions were underway on the preparations required to operate the special service between Janakpurdham and Ayodhya under the Ramayana Circuit.
There is an in-principle agreement that Nepali security agencies will be responsible for passenger and train security on the Nepal section, while Indian security agencies will take responsibility on the Indian side.
A few days ago, a joint team of railway, security, customs and immigration officials from Nepal and India conducted an on-site inspection of the Jayanagar–Janakpurdham–Kurtha railway section using a special inspection train.
The proposed service is expected to strengthen religious and cultural ties between the two countries and promote pilgrimage tourism.
Janakpurdham, regarded as the birthplace of Sita, and Ayodhya, associated with Lord Ram, are important destinations on the Ramayana Circuit. A direct rail connection is expected to make travel easier for pilgrims and religious tourists, said Jitendra Mahaseth, former president of the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The special service is also expected to encourage tourism between religious and cultural destinations in the two countries and boost economic activity at the local level.
Currently, regular train services operate from Jayanagar in India through Janakpurdham to Bijalpura in Mahottari district.
