JANAKPURDHAM: Preparations to launch a special train service connecting Janakpurdham in Nepal with Ayodhya, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination in India, have reached the final stage.
The service is expected to be jointly inaugurated by the prime ministers of Nepal and India during Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s proposed visit to India, according to Abhisheth Parajuli, Managing Director of Nepal Railway Company.
“We are making preparations to inaugurate the special train service during Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India,” Parajuli said. He added that discussions were underway between the railway authorities of both countries, customs officials and security agencies to finalise operational arrangements.
Although the inauguration date has yet to be confirmed, preparations are being expedited with the proposed visit of Prime Minister Shah, scheduled for November 22.
According to Parajuli, the two countries are discussing arrangements for operating the service under the Ramayan Circuit. An understanding has also been reached in principle regarding the responsibilities of Nepali and Indian security agencies for passenger safety and railway security along the route.
Recently, officials from railway services, security agencies, customs and immigration authorities of both countries conducted an on-site inspection of the Jayanagar-Janakpurdham-Kurtha railway section using a special inspection vehicle.
The proposed direct rail connection is expected to strengthen religious and cultural ties between Nepal and India while promoting cross-border pilgrimage and tourism. Connecting Janakpurdham, regarded as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, with Ayodhya, the city associated with Lord Ram, is expected to make travel easier for pilgrims following the Ramayan Circuit.
Jitendra Mahaseth, former president of the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the service would facilitate religious tourism and strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries.
The new service is also expected to stimulate local economic activities and promote tourism around important religious and cultural destinations in both countries.
Currently, regular passenger train services operate from Jayanagar in India through Janakpurdham to Bijalpura in Mahottari district of Nepal.
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