New Sitamarhi Ayodhya Vande Bharat Express Approved!
Indian Railways has approved a new Vande Bharat Express connecting Sitamarhi and Ayodhya to boost religious tourism.
The Union Government has granted in-principle approval to operate the new Sitamarhi Ayodhya Vande Bharat Express, connecting Sitamarhi in Bihar with the holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. This significant decision follows a formal meeting in New Delhi on November 4, 2026, between Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Following this approval, the Ministry of Railways has initiated a comprehensive study to finalize the operational modalities for the service.
Connecting the Birthplaces of Goddess Sita and Lord Rama
This new rail link is designed to create a vital spiritual corridor, providing a direct connection between Punauradham in Sitamarhi, revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, and Ayodhya Dham, the birthplace of Lord Rama. The project is expected to greatly facilitate travel for millions of pilgrims and tourists visiting these two sacred destinations.
Proposed Route and Travel Time
The proposed route for the train spans approximately 435 kilometers. The Vande Bharat Express will pass through several important stations, including:
- Sitamarhi Junction
- Raxaul
- Sugauli
- Narkatiaganj
- Gorakhpur
- Ayodhya Dham
Officials estimate that the train will complete the journey in approximately 6 to 6.5 hours, offering a fast and comfortable option for travelers on this route.
Festive Specials and Upcoming Religious Events
During the meeting, Minister Vaishnaw and Deputy CM Chaudhary also discussed broader rail connectivity initiatives to manage passenger surges. This includes the deployment of additional trains to accommodate the heavy influx of travelers during the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals.
Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the introduction of special trains for the 360th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh, which is scheduled to be held in Patna Sahib in January 2027, to ensure smooth travel for the anticipated number of devotees.