INDIAN Railways has approved a new weekly train service connecting Janakpur Dham in Nepal with Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, in a move aimed at strengthening cross-border connectivity, religious tourism and cultural ties between the two neighbouring countries.
According to an official press release issued by the Ministry of Railways on Saturday, the service will establish a rail link between two destinations associated with the Ramayana tradition — Janakpur Dham, revered as the birthplace of Mata Sita, and Ayodhya, the birthplace of Prabhu Shri Ram.
Covering approximately 604 kilometres, the weekly train service will connect Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya Cantonment, passing through several important towns and cities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The train will have commercial stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham, besides its terminal stations. The service will operate once a week, originating from Janakpur Dham on Saturdays and from Ayodhya Cantt. on Mondays. The Ministry of Railways said the new service is expected to make cross-border travel more convenient for pilgrims, tourists and other passengers, while facilitating religious journeys between Janakpur and Ayodhya.
It is also expected to encourage tourism circuits associated with the Ramayana and provide greater mobility to people travelling for education, business and family-related purposes. Highlighting the economic benefits of the initiative, the ministry said improved rail access is expected to create opportunities for tourism operators, hospitality establishments, local traders and traditional artisans along the route.
ANI
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