India-Nepal Discussions on Janakpur-Ayodhya Rail Link and Passenger Services

Key Facts

• The 10th Project Steering Committee and 8th Joint Working Group meetings were held on June 11-12, 2026, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Discussions focused on cross-border railway cooperation, especially passenger train connectivity on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section.
• Janakpur in Nepal is associated with Goddess Sita, while Ayodhya in India is associated with Lord Ram, making this rail link culturally significant.
• Progress of the proposed Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway project was reviewed.
• Other broad gauge railway projects in progress include Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar lines, developed with Indian grant assistance.
• The Indian delegation included Rohit Rathish (Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs) and Pradeep Ojha (Executive Director, Ministry of Railways).
• Nepali delegation was led by Sushil Babu Dhakal (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport).
• Standard Operating Procedures for launching passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya route were discussed.

Background & Context

The Janakpur-Ayodhya rail link is a key cross-border connectivity project linking two important Hindu pilgrimage centers, enhancing people-to-people links and tourism. This project is part of a wider India-Nepal railway cooperation framework, which also includes upgrading and establishing broad gauge rail lines facilitating easier transfer of passengers and goods across borders. The Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge rail link, currently in the survey and planning stage, aims to provide direct connectivity from the Indian rail network to Nepal's capital. The Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar rail lines have been developed under Indian aid, supporting Nepal's internal and cross-border rail transport infrastructure improvements.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

The India-Nepal railway cooperation is relevant for current affairs, international relations, and infrastructure development topics in competitive exams. Details such as key meetings, project names, dates, locations, and involved officials are important. The cultural significance of the Janakpur-Ayodhya rail link ties into questions on social, cultural, and religious diplomacy between India and Nepal. Understanding the framework of bilateral cooperation in railways also informs questions on regional connectivity initiatives and South Asian geopolitics.

Points to Remember

• The 10th Project Steering Committee and 8th Joint Working Group meetings were conducted on June 11-12, 2026.
• Janakpur-Ayodhya rail link connects two culturally significant pilgrimage sites in Nepal and India respectively.
• Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway link is a proposed electrified cross-border rail connection currently under detailed project report preparation.
• Other progress reviewed: Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad gauge railway lines under Indian grant assistance.
• Indian officials: Rohit Rathish (MEA), Pradeep Ojha (Railways); Nepali official: Sushil Babu Dhakal (MoPIT).
• Standard Operating Procedures are being prepared to commence passenger train services on Janakpur-Ayodhya route.
• These railway projects aim to enhance cultural ties, pilgrimage connectivity, and broader bilateral cooperation.