Overview
- The Ministry of Railways and Press Information Bureau approved a weekly passenger service linking Janakpur Dham (Nepal) with Ayodhya Cantt. that will run about 604 kilometres and include commercial stops at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham, the government said on Saturday.
- The service is scheduled to operate once a week, originating Saturdays from Janakpur Dham and Mondays from Ayodhya Cantt., a pattern that the Railways has formally published but has not yet tied to a commercial start date.
- Several outlets reported that trial runs have been completed and that a virtual flag‑off by the prime ministers of India and Nepal is expected on November 23, 2026, but that inauguration timing and the start of paid operations were not confirmed in the official release.
- Officials frame the link as a boost to Ramayana pilgrimage circuits and say it could raise tourist traffic and income for hotels, transport operators, traders and artisans in border towns and along the route.
- Practical next steps include settling bilateral operational arrangements such as customs and immigration processing, crew and traction arrangements, and a formal announcement of the commercial launch date, which will determine when the service actually begins carrying passengers.