Janakpur–Jaynagar railway

Nepal is not a railway country — except here. The line between Jaynagar in Bihar and Janakpur was built in the 1930s, originally to carry timber from the Tarai forests, and for decades its small narrow-gauge trains were the only trains in Nepal, crowded with passengers and goods between the border and Mithila's capital.

Decline and rebirth

The old line wore out and service stopped in the 2010s; rusting carriages sat at Janakpur station for years. With Indian assistance it was rebuilt as broad gauge, and in April 2022 passenger trains began running between Jaynagar and Kurtha via Janakpurdham. In 2023 the service was extended north to Bijalpura (Bhangaha). The final section to Bardibas, on the East–West Highway, is planned.

Riding the train

Janakpurdham station is a new building on the edge of the city. Trains are modern diesel multiple units with AC and general coaches. A ride across the flat Mithila countryside — rice fields, ponds, mango groves and brick kilns — is a slow and friendly way to see the plains. Nepali and Indian citizens cross freely; other nationalities should check current immigration rules before travelling into India.

For railway fans

Some of the old narrow-gauge rolling stock can still be seen near the station, a reminder of the line's first life.