Ayodhya-Janakpur Vande Bharat: New Weekly Service to Boost Ramayana Circuit
Indian Railways announces a weekly Vande Bharat service connecting Ayodhya and Janakpur Dham to enhance Ramayana Circuit connectivity.
Indian Railways is set to revolutionize cross-border connectivity with the introduction of a new weekly Ayodhya Janakpur Vande Bharat service. This special train will link Ayodhya in India with Janakpur Dham in Nepal, specifically designed to bolster tourism and strengthen cultural ties along the sacred Ramayana Circuit.
The Ministry of Railways officially approved the new service on Saturday, November 14, 2026. To mark this significant milestone, a virtual flag-off ceremony is scheduled for November 23, 2026. The ceremony will be led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
High-profile dignitaries, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, are expected to attend the launch event at the Ayodhya Dham railway station.
Route Details and Weekly Schedule
The new Vande Bharat service will cover a total distance of 604 kilometers, providing a comfortable and fast travel experience for pilgrims and tourists alike. The train will operate on a weekly frequency with the following schedule:
- Departing Janakpur Dham: Every Saturday
- Returning from Ayodhya Cantt.: Every Monday
The train will make commercial stops at several key locations, including:
- Jayanagar
- Madhubani
- Shisho
- Sitamarhi
- Raxaul
- Narkatiaganj
- Gorakhpur
- Basti
- Mankapur
To ensure smooth international travel, customs protocols for both directions of the journey will be managed at the Jayanagar transit point.
New Passenger Facilities at Ayodhya Dham
In addition to the launch of the new train service, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate a state-of-the-art passenger facilitation center at the Ayodhya Dham railway station. This facility has been constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 5 crore to enhance the travel experience for the increasing number of visitors to the holy city.
The new center is equipped with several modern amenities, such as:
- Dedicated ticket booking zones
- Comfortable waiting areas
- High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity
- A comprehensive inquiry center
Passengers interested in traveling on this new route can facilitate their bookings through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).