Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway

Heritage & palaceTeraiHidden gem1 min read

In Nepali: जनकपुर–जयनगर रेलमार्ग

Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway, Dhanusha
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Nepal's only passenger railway, relaunched in 2022, running across the Mithila plains to the Indian border.

A narrow-gauge line from Jaynagar in Bihar to Janakpur and Bijalpura was opened in the 1930s to carry timber, and for decades its little steam and diesel trains were a beloved part of Janakpur life. The service stopped in 2014 and the line was rebuilt to broad gauge.

Since 2022 modern trains again run between Janakpur, Jaynagar and nearby stations. A short ride is a fun way to see villages, ponds and fields of the Mithila plains; check the current timetable at Janakpur station.

What to see and do

Ride a stretch of the line across open farmland to Jaynagar or a nearer station, and see the old station buildings and heritage locomotives preserved at Janakpur. The railway is a nostalgic symbol in Mithila — songs and films have celebrated the old 'Janakpur train'.

Good to know

Timetables change; check at the station a day ahead. Foreign nationals crossing into India by train need to check border rules in advance.

Quick answers

Where is Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway?
Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway is in Dhanusha district, Madhesh Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
How much does it cost to visit Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway?
Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway is in or right next to Janakpur, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Janakpur, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
How many days do I need for Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway?
Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Janakpur.
Do I need a permit or ticket for Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway?
No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
When is the best time to visit Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway?
October–March
How do I get to Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway?
Janakpur railway station, central Janakpur. It is about 1 km (straight line) from Janakpur.
What is Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway called in Nepali?
जनकपुर–जयनगर रेलमार्ग
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