Lucknow: PM Narendra Modi and Nepalese premier Balendra Shah are likely to jointly inaugurate the new Ayodhya Dham-Janakpur Dham train service virtually from Delhi on Nov 23, establishing a direct rail link between two prominent religious destinations associated with Lord Ram and Mata Sita.Railways has approved the weekly service connecting the two cities. Railway officials said the train would operate with conventional LHB coaches, comprising AC and sleeper accommodation, offering passengers an additional option for cross-border travel.The train will cover about 604km, connecting Janakpur Dham, regarded as the birthplace of Mata Sita, with Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.“The inaugural run will be from Ayodhya Dham on Nov 23, but the commercial service of the train will have Ayodhya Cantt as originating station,” said a source in Northern Railway.The train will have stoppages at Jaynagar, Madhubani, Shisho, Sitamarhi, Raxaul, Narkatiaganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur and Ayodhya Dham, besides its terminal stations.The weekly service will originate from Janakpur Dham on Saturdays and from Ayodhya Cantt on Mondays. Detailed timings and fares are expected to be announced separately.Railway officials said the service was primarily aimed at facilitating travel between the two religious centres, which attract pilgrims from India and Nepal throughout the year.Apart from religious tourism, the train is expected to benefit passengers travelling for education, business and family visits across the international border.Officials said improved connectivity could also support tourism-related businesses, including hotels, transport operators, local traders and artisans along the route.The proposed service is part of efforts to strengthen passenger connectivity between India and Nepal, which share longstanding cultural, religious and social ties. It is also expected to facilitate travel along the Ramayana tourism circuit spanning the two countries.
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