Janakpur-Ayodhya special train service preparations reach final stage

Janakpurdham, October 30, 2026 — Preparations to launch a special train service connecting Janakpurdham with Ayodhya, a major religious pilgrimage destination in India, have reached the final stage.

Nepal Railway Company Managing Director Parivesh Parajuli said preparations were underway to have the prime ministers of Nepal and India jointly inaugurate the service during Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s upcoming visit to India.

“We are preparing to inaugurate the special train service during Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India,” Parajuli said. He added that railway companies, customs authorities and security officials from both countries had held discussions in several phases.

Although the inauguration date has not yet been fixed, preparations are focused on launching the service during the prime minister’s visit. Shah is preparing to visit India from November 22 (Mangsir 6).

Parajuli said discussions were underway on the necessary arrangements for operating the special train between Janakpurdham and Ayodhya under the Ramayana Circuit.

An in-principle agreement has been reached that Nepal’s security agencies will be responsible for passenger and train security on the Nepali section, while Indian security agencies will take responsibility on the Indian section.