Janakpur-Ayodhya direct rail service in the works, 17-coach train tested up to Kurtha

Preparations are moving ahead to operate a direct rail service between Janakpurdham and India's Ayodhya. To check the technical condition and operational feasibility of the proposed rail service, a 17-coach train was test-run up to Kurtha on Thursday.

Janakpurdham is regarded as the birthplace of Sita, and Ayodhya as the birthplace of Ram. The plan aims to connect these two major religious cities in Nepal and India with a direct rail link.

If the rail service comes into operation, pilgrims are expected to travel more easily, potentially opening new possibilities for religious tourism.

The test run is said to be checking the technical aspects and operational feasibility of the rail service.