Kathmandu, 30 October (H.S.): Preparations to launch a special train service connecting Janakpur Dham, the birthplace of Goddess Sita, with Ayodhya, the sacred city associated with Lord Ram, have reached their final stages ahead of this year's Vivah Panchami celebrations. The prime ministers of Nepal and India are expected to jointly inaugurate the service during Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah's proposed visit to India.

Parivesh Parajuli, Managing Director of Nepal Railway Company, said that although the inauguration date had not yet been finalised, preparations were underway to launch the service during Prime Minister Shah's visit to India. His visit is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 23.

According to Parajuli, discussions are in progress on the arrangements required to operate a special train between Janakpur Dham and Ayodhya under the Ramayana Circuit initiative. Responsibility for the safety of the train and its passengers will rest with Nepal's security agencies while it is within Nepali territory, and with Indian security agencies once it enters India. Both sides have reached an in-principle agreement on this arrangement.

A few days ago, a joint team of officials from the railway, security, customs and immigration departments of Nepal and India also conducted an on-site inspection of the Jayanagar-Jan akpur Dham-Kurtha railway section using a special inspection vehicle.

The proposed direct rail link between Janakpur Dham and Ayodhya is expected to strengthen the religious and cultural ties between the two countries while giving a boost to religious tourism.

Jitendra Mahaseth, former president of the Janakpur Dham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that directly connecting Janakpur Dham, the birthplace of Goddess Sita, with Ayodhya, the city associated with Lord Ram, would make travel easier for pilgrims and religious tourists under the Ramayana Circuit.

He added that the special train service would promote tourism between major religious and cultural destinations in Nepal and India while also stimulating economic activity at the local level.

At present, regular train services operate from Jayanagar in India to Bijalpura in Mahottari district of Nepal, passing through Janakpur Dham.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar