Overview
- The Railways Ministry announced on November 14, 2026 that Indian Railways will run a weekly passenger train between Janakpur Dham in Nepal and Ayodhya Cantt. in Uttar Pradesh.
- The service will cover about 604 kilometres, originate from Janakpur Dham on Saturdays and from Ayodhya Cantt. on Mondays, and stop at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham.
- Officials say the train is expected to be virtually flagged off by the prime ministers of India and Nepal on November 23, 2026 with an inaugural ceremony at Ayodhya Railway Station linked to Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
- Trial runs on the proposed Janakpur–Ayodhya route have been reported ahead of the launch, as authorities finalise operational arrangements and cross‑border procedures.
- Authorities present the link as a step to ease pilgrim travel, strengthen Ramayana tourism and boost hotels, traders and other local businesses along the route while building on earlier India–Nepal talks on cross‑border rail links.