Patna: Rail connectivity between India and Nepal is set to receive a boost with a proposed train service connecting Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh with Janakpur Dham in Nepal from November 23, 2026. The train will pass through five districts of Bihar, offering improved connectivity for passengers and pilgrims travelling between the two religious destinations.
According to the proposed route, the train will travel from Ayodhya to Gorakhpur before entering Bihar through Bagaha. It will then pass through Narkatiaganj, Raxaul, Sitamarhi and Madhubani before reaching Jayanagar, from where it will enter Nepal and continue towards Janakpur Dham.
The proposed service is expected to strengthen religious tourism and provide an additional travel option for devotees visiting Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, and Janakpur, traditionally associated with Goddess Sita.
Ayodhya-Janakpur Train: These Five Bihar Districts Will Be Connected
The proposed train will pass through the following five Bihar districts:
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West Champaran: The train will pass through Bagaha and Narkatiaganj.
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East Champaran: Raxaul will be an important station along the route.
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Sitamarhi: The district, traditionally associated with Goddess Sita, will gain improved connectivity towards Janakpur.
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Madhubani: The train will pass through the district before reaching Jayanagar.
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Darbhanga: No stop or route through Darbhanga has been specified in the available route details; the five-district claim therefore needs clarification.
The reported route specifically names Bagaha, Narkatiaganj, Raxaul, Sitamarhi and Madhubani, followed by Jayanagar. The district-wise route should be confirmed through the official railway timetable.
Train to Be Flagged Off on November 23
The proposed inauguration is scheduled for November 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah are expected to virtually flag off the new train service.
According to East Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Saraswati Chandra, the service is proposed to commence on November 23. Some stations falling under East Central Railway may also receive stoppages.
The train is expected to operate as a regular passenger service with facilities for travellers.
Special Customs Checking at Jayanagar
Jayanagar will serve as an important point on the route before the train enters Nepal. Special customs checks may be conducted at Jayanagar station to facilitate cross-border passenger movement.
The railway authorities are also expected to finalise the operational arrangements and stoppages at selected stations.
Sitamarhi-Janakpur Connectivity May Boost Religious Tourism
The proposed train service is particularly significant for Sitamarhi, which holds an important place in the religious traditions associated with Goddess Sita.
Janakpur Dham in Nepal is widely revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita and attracts pilgrims from India and other countries. Improved rail connectivity between Sitamarhi and Janakpur could make religious journeys more convenient.
The service is also expected to benefit devotees travelling from Ayodhya to Janakpur, strengthening the religious tourism circuit connecting India and Nepal.
Earlier Trial Conducted on Jayanagar-Nepal Route
A trial run was also conducted on November 5 in connection with railway services between Jayanagar and Janakpur Dham, extending towards Kurtha in Nepal.
The proposed Ayodhya-Janakpur connection is expected to build on existing cross-border rail infrastructure and improve travel options for passengers.
Once operational, the service could provide a significant boost to passenger movement, religious tourism and connectivity between Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
