In preparation for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, the Indian government is organizing a special train from Nepal's Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita, to facilitate the journey for Lord Ram devotees. Despite many devotees from Nepal having already set out for Ayodhya, the Indian Railways will dispatch a dedicated train through the Jaynagar-Janakpur railway route, the sole cross-border rail link between Nepal and India, constructed with Indian assistance.
The special train, comprising 20 coaches, is scheduled to depart from Janakpur to Ayodhya on Sunday, as confirmed by Niranjan Jha, General Manager at Nepal Railway Company Limited. Anticipation is high among Nepalese devotees for the Pran Prastishtha ceremony, with thousands expected to attend on Monday.
Local authorities in several Nepalese cities have encouraged residents to celebrate the occasion with "Deepoustav." Some cities have imposed restrictions, including bans on selling alcohol and non-vegetarian food items on Monday. The Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally requested the Indian Embassy to arrange a dedicated railway service for January 22.
Ticket bookings for the special train opened on Saturday afternoon, with devotees covering the fare. The cost for Second AC coaches is NPR 3,000 (INR 1,882), Third AC coaches at NPR 2,000 (INR 1254.29), and sleeper class tickets priced at NPR 1,000 (INR 627.14). In response to devotee requests, the train fare was reduced. The return journey from Ayodhya to Janakpur is scheduled for Monday night at 11 p.m. following the Pran Prastishtha ceremony.
Mahant Ram Roshan Das, the successor of the Janaki Temple in Janakpur, has urged Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav of Madhesh Province to declare a public holiday in Madhesh on the day of the Ram Mandir inauguration. Mahant Ram Roshan Das has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Yadav, requesting the declaration of a public holiday on Monday.
(With Agency Inputs)
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