LUCKNOW: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah are likely to jointly inaugurate the new Ayodhya Dham-Janakpur Dham train service virtually from New Delhi on Nov 23, establishing a direct rail link between two prominent religious destinations associated with Lord Ram and Mata Sita.The Indian Railways has approved the weekly service connecting Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh with Janakpur Dham in Nepal. Regular operations are expected to begin within a week of the proposed inauguration.Railway officials said the train would operate with conventional Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, comprising air-conditioned and sleeper accommodation, offering passengers an additional option for cross-border travel.The train will cover approximately 604 km, connecting Janakpur Dham, regarded as the birthplace of Mata Sita, with Ayodhya, revered as 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 an official source of Lucknow division of Northern Railway.According to the approved route, the train will have commercial 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.
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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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