Janakpurdham. Preparations for operating a special train service from Janakpurdham to the religious city of Ayodhya in India have reached the final stage. During the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Walendra Shah to India, preparations are being made to inaugurate the railway service jointly by the Prime Ministers of Nepal and India.
According to the managing director of Nepal Railway Company, Mikhet Parajuli, discussions are being held between the railway companies, customs and security officials of both countries for the operation of train services at various stages.
Preparations are being made to inaugurate the train service during Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India, but the date has not been fixed yet. Prime Minister Shah is planning to visit India from November 6.
Parajuli, the managing director, said that the necessary preparations for running a special train service from Janakpurdham to Ayodhya under the Ramayana circuit are being discussed. According to him, there has been a theoretical agreement on the responsibility of the Nepalese security agencies on the Nepal side and the Indian security agencies on the Indian side to take responsibility for the safety of passengers and trains.
A few days ago, a team of railway services, security, customs and immigration officials from Nepal and India also conducted an on-site inspection of the Jayanagar-Janakpurdham-Kurtha railway section through a special inspection vehicle.
By connecting Janakpurdham and Ayodhya through a direct train service, it is expected that the religious and cultural relations between the two countries will be further strengthened and it will help in the promotion of religious tourism.
Jitendra Mahaseth, former president of Janakpurdham Industry and Commerce Association, said that the operation of train service between Sita’s birthplace Janakpurdham and Lord Ram’s city Ayodhya will facilitate the movement of pilgrims and religious tourists under the Ramayana circuit.
According to him, it will help promote tourism between the religious and cultural destinations of Nepal and India as well as increase economic activity at the local level.
Currently, a regular train service is being operated from Jayanagar in India via Janakpurdham in Nepal to Bijalpura in Mahottari.