Kathmandu— A new railway service connecting Nepalgunj in the Banke district of Nepal with Indian cities including Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, and Banaras began operations on Monday. The initiative was jointly inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and India's Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This development is anticipated to enhance trade opportunities and facilitate religious tourism between the two countries.

Boost for Religious Tourism

Krishna Prasad Shrestha, Coordinator of the Tourism Promotion Forum in Banke, highlighted that the new railway service will make travel easier for pilgrims from Nepal to visit religious sites such as Bishwa Nath temple in Banaras, Gorakhadham in Gorakhpur, and Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The service is also expected to facilitate visits by Indian pilgrims to religious destinations in Nepal like Swarga Dwari, Pyuthan, and Kailash Mansarovar.

Economic Benefits for Nepalgunj

Prashant Bishta, the Mayor of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan, emphasized that this new railway service will bring significant economic benefits to the city. He noted that it will not only boost religious tourism but also contribute to overall economic development in the region.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.