India, Nepal discuss Janakpur–Ayodhya rail link, passenger train services on agenda

India and Nepal have held discussions on expanding cross-border railway connectivity, including proposed passenger train services on the Janakpur–Ayodhya route, according to an official statement.

The talks took place during the 10th Project Steering Committee meeting and the 8th Joint Working Group meeting held in Kathmandu on June 11 and 12, the Indian Embassy in Nepal said on Friday.

A key focus of the discussions was the preparation of standard operating procedures for launching passenger train services on the Janakpur–Ayodhya section, which holds cultural and religious significance for both countries.

Janakpur in Nepal, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, is located around 220 km southeast of Kathmandu and roughly 500 km from Ayodhya in India. The two cities see regular movement of pilgrims from both sides.

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The meetings also reviewed progress on several ongoing railway projects, including the Final Location Survey report for the Raxaul–Kathmandu broad gauge rail link.

Officials also discussed the implementation of the Jaynagar–Bijalpura–Bardibas and Jogbani–Biratnagar railway lines, both being developed with Indian assistance.

Technical support for the East–West Railway Link, which aims to connect Nepal’s southern Terai districts, also formed part of the discussions.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional connectivity through improved rail infrastructure and coordinated implementation of ongoing projects.

With inputs from agencies