India, Nepal Advance Talks on Cross-Border Railway Connectivity, Janakpur–Ayodhya Passenger Service

The discussions took place during the 10th Project Steering Committee meeting and the 8th Joint Working Group meeting held in Kathmandu on June 11 and 12, according to an official statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Friday.

A major focus of the engagement was the formulation of standard operating procedures for the commencement of passenger train services on the Janakpur–Ayodhya railway section. The proposed service is expected to facilitate travel between two prominent religious destinations that attract large numbers of devotees from both countries.

Janakpur, widely believed to be the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, is located approximately 220 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu and more than 500 kilometres east of Ayodhya. The two locations maintain strong cultural and religious significance, drawing pilgrims and visitors throughout the year.

During the meetings, both sides also reviewed the Final Location Survey report for the proposed Raxaul–Kathmandu broad-gauge railway link, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Nepal’s capital and the Indian railway network.

The discussions further covered the implementation of the Jaynagar–Bijalpura–Bardibas and Jogbani–Biratnagar broad-gauge railway lines, both of which are being developed with Indian assistance. These projects are considered important components of the broader effort to strengthen rail infrastructure and cross-border mobility between the neighbouring countries.

Technical support for Nepal’s East–West Railway Link, which connects the southern Terai districts of the Himalayan nation, was also discussed during the two-day engagement. The project is regarded as a significant step toward improving domestic rail connectivity across Nepal.

The latest round of talks highlights the continued commitment of India and Nepal to expanding railway cooperation, improving transportation infrastructure, and deepening economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties through enhanced cross-border connectivity.