JANAKPURDHAM, Oct 30: Preparations to launch a special train service connecting Janakpurdham 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, Balendra Shah (Balen) and Narendra Modi, during Shah’s upcoming visit to India, according to Paribesh Parajuli, managing director of Nepal Railway Company.
“We are preparing to inaugurate the special train service during Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India,” Parajuli said. “Several rounds of discussions are underway among railway companies, customs authorities and security officials from both countries.”
Although the inauguration date has yet to be finalised, preparations are focused on launching the service during the prime minister’s visit. Shah is scheduled to visit India from November 22.
Parajuli said discussions were underway on the necessary preparations to operate the special train service between Janakpurdham and Ayodhya under the Ramayana Circuit initiative.
The two sides have reached an understanding in principle that Nepali security agencies will be responsible for passenger and train security on the Nepal section, while Indian security agencies will oversee security on the Indian section.
A few days ago, a joint team of railway, security, customs and immigration officials from Nepal and India conducted an on-site inspection of the Jayanagar-Janakpurdham-Kurtha railway section using a special inspection train.
The proposed service is expected to strengthen religious and cultural ties between the two countries and promote religious tourism. Connecting Janakpurdham, regarded as the birthplace of Sita, with Ayodhya, the city associated with Lord Ram, through a direct rail link will make travel easier for pilgrims and religious tourists visiting destinations along the Ramayana Circuit, said Jitendra Mahaseth, former president of the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The special train service is also expected to boost tourism between religious and cultural destinations in Nepal and India and stimulate local economic activity.
Currently, regular train services operate from Jayanagar in India through Janakpurdham to Bijalpura in Mahottari district, Nepal.
People’s News Monitoring Service
Login to add a comment