Janakpur Railway Faces Calls for Major Improvements as Nepal and India Prepare Ayodhya Train Service
A citizens' campaign in Janakpurdham has submitted a 10-point memorandum to Nepal Railway Company, demanding better passenger facilities, station maintenance, safer railway crossings and the resumption of freight services. The demands come as Nepal and India accelerate preparations for a proposed direct railway service between Janakpurdham and Ayodhya.
JANAKPURDHAM: A citizens' campaign in Janakpurdham has called for major improvements to Nepal's railway services, demanding better passenger facilities, safer railway crossings and the immediate resumption of freight operations.
The Janasarokar Abhiyan submitted a 10-point memorandum to Nepal Railway Company Managing Director Paribesh Parajuli on Wednesday, November 4, seeking urgent action to address problems affecting passengers and the overall management of railway infrastructure.
A delegation led by campaign chairperson Jitendra Mahaseth handed over the memorandum at the Nepal Railway Company office in Janakpurdham.
The campaign said the existing condition of railway stations and passenger facilities did not adequately reflect the historical, cultural and religious importance of Janakpurdham, which attracts pilgrims and visitors from Nepal and India.
The demands come at a time when Nepal and India are advancing preparations for a proposed railway connection between Janakpurdham and Ayodhya under the Ramayana Circuit initiative.
Campaign Submits 10-Point Memorandum
The memorandum highlights several issues that the campaign says require immediate attention from railway authorities.
One of its major demands is the resumption of freight services, which could help strengthen transportation and commercial activities in the region.
The campaign has also called for:
- Regular cleaning and proper maintenance of railway stations and platforms.
- Well-equipped and properly managed passenger waiting halls.
- Immediate repairs to damaged platform infrastructure.
- Regular operation of drinking water facilities and public toilets.
- Repair and reuse of electrical equipment and other facilities that have remained out of operation.
- Development of gardens and parks in unused railway premises.
- Better management and operation of buildings and commercial spaces within railway premises.
- Improved safety arrangements at railway crossings.
- Repair of roads around railway crossings.
- Proper management of passenger movement while boarding and leaving trains.
The campaign has also raised concerns about the condition of station facilities and the underutilisation of infrastructure built using public funds.
Chairperson Jitendra Mahaseth said Janakpurdham deserved a modern and properly managed railway service that reflected its religious, historical and cultural significance.
Railway Management Says Improvements Are Underway
Receiving the memorandum, Nepal Railway Company Managing Director Paribesh Parajuli said maintenance and sanitation activities were already being carried out and would be made more effective.
He also informed the delegation that a proposal had been submitted to increase train frequency in response to passenger demand.
Regarding commercial facilities within railway premises, Parajuli said some rented rooms and buildings had not yet been formally handed over. The company plans to lease them once the handover process is completed.
The response indicates that railway authorities are considering several of the concerns raised by the campaign. However, a specific deadline for implementing all the demands has not been announced in the reports.
Indian 17-Coach Train Arrives for Track Inspection
Meanwhile, preparations for a proposed railway service connecting Janakpurdham and Ayodhya have gained momentum.
On Thursday, November 5, an Indian passenger train consisting of 17 coaches arrived at Kurtha railway station in Dhanusha for a preliminary technical inspection.
The train, accompanied by Indian Railway officials, was brought to assess whether the existing railway track could accommodate a larger passenger train.
According to Nepal Railway Company Managing Director Paribesh Parajuli, the inspection was conducted by officials from India's East Central Railway.
A total of 67 Indian railway officials travelled with the train for the preliminary assessment.
The inspection focused on the condition and capacity of the existing railway track, security arrangements and other technical requirements needed to operate the proposed service.
The train returned to India after the inspection, and a technical report is expected to be submitted to the concerned authorities.
However, Nepal and India have not yet finalised the launch date or completed all administrative agreements required to begin regular operations.
Ayodhya–Janakpurdham Connection Could Boost Religious Tourism
The proposed railway connection between Ayodhya and Janakpurdham is expected to strengthen religious and cultural links between Nepal and India.
Janakpurdham is widely recognised as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, while Ayodhya is associated with Lord Ram. Both cities hold significant religious importance for Hindu pilgrims.
A direct railway connection could make travel easier for pilgrims visiting the two destinations as part of the Ramayana Circuit.
The initiative could also create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, local traders and tourism-related businesses in Madhesh Province.
However, campaigners argue that improving existing railway facilities should remain a priority before the region receives a larger number of international visitors.
Mahaseth warned that poorly maintained stations and inadequate passenger facilities could create a negative impression among visitors arriving from India and other countries.
A Railway Service with a Long History
The Janakpurdham–Jayanagar railway has a history dating back to 1936, when the railway was established during the Rana period.
The service was suspended for several years before the railway line was upgraded to broad gauge with support from the Government of India and at the initiative of the Government of Nepal.
Passenger services resumed on April 2, 2022, restoring an important railway connection between Nepal's Madhesh region and India's Bihar state.
The present railway network connects Jayanagar in India with Janakpurdham and Bijalpura in Nepal.
Despite the restoration of services, passengers and local campaigners continue to raise concerns about station management, passenger convenience, infrastructure maintenance and the wider economic potential of the railway network.
A Test of Nepal's Railway Development Plans
The latest demands and the proposed Ayodhya connection have brought renewed attention to the future of railway transportation in Nepal.
For Janakpurdham, the railway is more than a transport facility. It is an important link connecting religious tourism, local commerce and cross-border movement.
The successful operation of a direct service to Ayodhya could increase passenger numbers and strengthen tourism ties. But achieving that objective will require reliable infrastructure, passenger safety, proper station management and coordination between the railway authorities of both countries.
The 10-point memorandum submitted by the Janasarokar Abhiyan has therefore highlighted an important question: can Nepal improve the quality of its existing railway services while preparing for a larger international railway connection?
The coming months will show how quickly the authorities respond to these demands and whether the proposed Janakpurdham–Ayodhya service moves from technical preparation to regular operation.