Overview
India and Nepal reviewed cross-border railway cooperation on 11-12 June 2026 in Kathmandu. The 10th Project Steering Committee and 8th Joint Working Group meetings discussed passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section, the Raxaul-Kathmandu link, and technical support for Nepal’s East-West Railway. Both sides reviewed ongoing broad-gauge lines.
A New Chapter in Cross-Border Rail Links
India and Nepal share a unique relationship. For centuries, people have moved freely across the border. But railway connectivity has lagged behind. That is now changing. On 11 and 12 June 2026, officials from both countries met in Kathmandu. They held the 10th Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting and the 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting. The focus was on cross-border railway cooperation. Key items on the agenda included passenger train services on the Janakpur-Ayodhya section, the Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge link, and technical support for Nepal’s East-West Railway. Both sides also reviewed the progress of two broad-gauge lines being built with Indian grant assistance.
What is the Janakpur-Ayodhya Rail Corridor?
Janakpur in Nepal is a holy city. It is associated with Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. Ayodhya in India is associated with Lord Ram. Together, they form an important religious circuit. For years, devotees have travelled between the two cities by road. Now, a railway connection is being planned. The proposed passenger train service will run between Janakpur and Ayodhya. This will make travel easier and faster. It will also boost religious tourism. In September 2024, Nepal’s Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, said that the process for operating this service was in its final stage. By June 2026, the two sides were discussing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the commencement of the service.
Other Key Railway Projects Reviewed
Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas Line
This is a broad-gauge railway line being built with Indian grant assistance. It connects Jaynagar in India to Bardibas in Nepal. The line has been completed in phases. It is a key part of India’s commitment to help Nepal build its railway infrastructure.
Jogbani-Biratnagar Line
Another broad-gauge line under Indian grant assistance. It connects Jogbani in India to Biratnagar, a major industrial city in eastern Nepal. This line will boost trade and passenger movement between the two countries.
Both projects were reviewed in the June 2026 meetings. Progress was noted, and timelines were discussed for remaining works.
Raxaul-Kathmandu Broad Gauge Link
This is a proposed railway line connecting Raxaul in India to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The Final Location Survey (FLS) report for this line was discussed. The report provides detailed engineering and cost estimates. Once approved, construction could begin. This line is important because it will connect Kathmandu to India’s railway network. Currently, no railway line reaches the capital.
Technical Support for East-West Railway
Nepal is planning an East-West Railway (also known as the Mechi-Mahakali Railway). India has offered technical support for this project. The June 2026 meetings discussed the scope of this support. Indian technical experts may help in survey, design, and construction supervision.
Who Attended the Meetings?
The Indian delegation was led by:
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Rohit Rathish , Joint Secretary (DPA-III), Ministry of External Affairs
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Pradeep Ojha , Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight), Ministry of Railways
The Nepalese side was led by:
Other officials from both countries also participated.
Why These Meetings Matter
The PSC and JWG are institutional mechanisms. They have been meeting regularly to monitor and guide railway cooperation. The 10th PSC and 8th JWG meetings show that the process is active and results-oriented. The discussions on SOPs for Janakpur-Ayodhya service indicate that the passenger train may start soon. The review of the Raxaul-Kathmandu FLS report brings that dream closer. And the technical support for the East-West Railway will help Nepal build its own national network.
A Human Touch: The Pilgrim’s Dream
Imagine a devotee from Nepal who wants to visit Ayodhya. Today, she must take a bus to the border, cross by foot, then take another bus. The journey is long and tiring. With the Janakpur-Ayodhya train, she will board a comfortable train in Janakpur and get off at Ayodhya station. The train will have seats, toilets, and perhaps even a pantry. She will reach in a few hours. For thousands of pilgrims, this will be a dream come true. The same applies to Indian pilgrims going to Janakpur. This railway link is not just about steel and concrete. It is about faith and convenience.
Earlier Developments
In July 2024, officials from both countries had discussed operational details for the Janakpurdham-Ayodhya service. A scheduled service proposal was on the table. In September 2024, Northern Railway (India) had proposed a weekly special train numbered 03219/03220 between Ayodhya and Janakpur. That train was a precursor to a regular service. Now, the discussions in June 2026 are about making it a permanent service.
What is the Current Status?
The SOPs for the Janakpur-Ayodhya passenger train are being finalised. Once agreed, a trial run will likely be conducted. Then the service will be launched. The Raxaul-Kathmandu link is still in the survey stage. The FLS report will be examined, and then the project will need funding. The two broad-gauge lines under grant assistance are nearing completion. The East-West Railway technical support is in the planning stage.
Conclusion
The 10th PSC and 8th JWG meetings in Kathmandu on 11-12 June 2026 have taken India-Nepal railway cooperation a step forward. The Janakpur-Ayodhya passenger train is close to reality. The Raxaul-Kathmandu link is being surveyed. Grant-assisted projects are progressing. Technical support for the East-West Railway is being discussed. These projects will not only improve connectivity but also strengthen the bonds between the two countries. For the common citizen, they mean easier travel, more trade, and a shared future.
Exam-Focused Points
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Meetings: 10th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) on India-Nepal railway cooperation.
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Dates: 11-12 June 2026.
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Location: Kathmandu, Nepal.
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Key discussions: Passenger train on Janakpur-Ayodhya section; Final Location Survey for Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge link; technical support for Nepal’s East-West Railway.
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Other projects reviewed: Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar broad-gauge lines (with Indian grant assistance).
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Indian officials: Rohit Rathish (Joint Secretary, MEA) and Pradeep Ojha (Executive Director, Ministry of Railways).
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Nepal officials: Sushil Babu Dhakal (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport).
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Significance: Janakpur associated with Sita; Ayodhya associated with Lord Ram.
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Previous proposal: Northern Railway’s weekly special train 03219/03220 (Ayodhya-Janakpur) in 2024.
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Importance: Boosts religious tourism, trade, and bilateral ties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the Janakpur-Ayodhya rail corridor?
A: It is a proposed passenger railway link between Janakpur in Nepal and Ayodhya in India. Janakpur is associated with Sita, and Ayodhya with Lord Ram. The train will facilitate religious travel.
Q2: When were the India-Nepal railway meetings held?
A: The 10th PSC and 8th JWG meetings were held on 11-12 June 2026 in Kathmandu.
Q3: What is the Raxaul-Kathmandu railway link?
A: It is a proposed broad-gauge railway line connecting Raxaul in India to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The Final Location Survey report was discussed in the June 2026 meetings.
Q4: Which two broad-gauge lines are being built with Indian grant assistance?
A: The Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas line and the Jogbani-Biratnagar line are being developed with Indian grant assistance.
Q5: Who led the Indian delegation at the meetings?
A: Rohit Rathish, Joint Secretary (DPA-III) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Pradeep Ojha, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight) in the Ministry of Railways, led the Indian side.