Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station marks a significant leap in India’s railway infrastructure, transforming from its historical roots as Ayodhya Junction into an airport-like gateway to the sacred city. The station now boasts facilities akin to an airport, including spacious waiting areas, food plazas, retail stores, 24/7 first-aid, and comprehensive accessibility features such as escalators, lifts, and ramps for all passengers. Its unique temple-like architecture, inspired by the Ram Mandir, features elements such as Lord Ram’s ‘mukut’ and impressive murals, creating a welcoming, culturally rich environment.

Introduction to Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station

Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station, officially known as Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station, is a significant railway station located in the city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. Formerly known as Ayodhya Junction, its name was officially changed to Ayodhya Dham Junction on 27 December 2023. The station is a symbol of both profound religious heritage and modern infrastructure, having undergone extensive redevelopment to offer an “airport-like” experience to travellers. It serves as a crucial gateway for devotees and tourists visiting the holy city.

Ayodhya Dham Junction Location and Connectivity

The station is situated at Dharmakata, approximately 1.5 km south-west of the city centre and 1.2 km south-east of the Ram Mandir. It is one of two railway junction stations in the twin city of Ayodhya, with the other being Ayodhya Cantt Junction.

Connectivity to Ayodhya Dham Junction is robust:

• Road: The station is accessible from both the city and the NH-27 via the Ayodhya Bypass Road. A new four-lane approach road has been built to enhance connectivity.
• Bus: It is connected by bus to the Ayodhya Dham Bus Station, located 6 km east, and to the Faizabad Bus Depot, 15 km west.
• Air: The nearest airport is Ayodhya International Airport, situated 10 km south-west of the station.

Ayodhya Dham Railway Station Infrastructure and Facilities

Ayodhya Dham Junction boasts impressive infrastructure and a wide range of facilities designed for passenger comfort and convenience. The station features a temple-like design, drawing inspiration from the Ram Mandir and local culture.

Key facilities and features include:

• Station Design: The new station building, significantly larger than the old one, measures 144 metres in length, 44 metres in width, and about 12 metres in height, covering a built-up area of 100,000 sq ft. Its design incorporates elements like Lord Ram’s ‘mukut’ (crown) and a ‘chakra’ symbolising the sun, with two ‘shikaras’ on the roof inspired by the Janaki Mandir in Nepal.
• Capacity: The new building has increased the station’s capacity to handle over 100,000 passengers annually, up from 50,000-60,000.
• Platforms and Tracks: The station currently has three platforms and five tracks, with plans to increase the number of platforms to five as part of the ongoing redevelopment. Platform number 1 has been extended to 1.5 km to accommodate longer trains.

• Waiting Areas: There are various waiting rooms, including both AC and non-AC options for men and women, an AC first-class waiting room, and a common waiting area. Special waiting areas for women, complete with adjacent toilet and bathroom facilities, are also available.
• Food and Retail: The station houses a food plaza and four retail stores. A food express service is available for packing meals, including items like dal, rice, roti, and sweets, for trains.
• Accessibility and Comfort: The station is disabled-friendly, offering wheelchairs and ramps, along with two escalators and lifts. Cleanliness is a priority, with special machines and staff ensuring the station is well-maintained.
• Medical Facilities: A First Aid Room is available 24/7, staffed with medical personnel and equipped with necessary medical supplies.
• Additional Amenities: Other facilities include ticket and baggage counters, a tourist information centre, VIP lounges and restrooms, a new, larger parking area with a dedicated taxi booth, and charging points. A unique feature is the Mobile Unit Ticket Sales (MUTS) system, a portable ticket counter for general tickets, conveniently located near the entry gate. Free Wi-Fi is also available. The station also has dedicated rooms for infant care.
• Aesthetic Features: Inside, there are impressive murals, including one of Hanuman, and 3D models of the station itself. A prominent gilhari (squirrel) sculpture is present, symbolising its contribution in the Ramayana era. There’s also a designated selfie point for visitors.
• Sustainability: The building is designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly, utilising solar panels for electricity, LED lights, natural lighting, CCTV cameras, proper waste disposal, rainwater harvesting, and a sewage treatment plant. These green initiatives have earned it a GRIHA 3-star rating.

Historical and Religious Significance Of Railway Station

Ayodhya Junction railway station, now Ayodhya Dham Junction, was originally built by the British in 1874, making it one of India’s oldest railway stations. It is considered one of the most important and busiest stations in Uttar Pradesh. The ongoing redevelopment explicitly draws inspiration from the Ram Mandir, with its architecture designed to reflect the local culture and heritage of Ayodhya. This integration of religious and historical themes into its structure underscores its profound significance beyond just a transport hub.

Recent Developments and Modernisation in Ayodhya

Due to increasing traffic and congestion, the station was chosen for redevelopment in 2019 under the Government of India’s Station Redevelopment Scheme, later renamed the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The project aims to transform the station into a modern and advanced facility capable of handling future demands.

Key phases and aspects of the modernization include:

• Phase 1: This phase, costing ₹131.97 crore, involved the construction of the new station building and improvements to platforms and circulating areas. It was completed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 30 December 2023.
• Phase 2: This ongoing phase, with a cost of ₹307 crore, will see the construction of a concourse above the tracks, which is planned to be India’s biggest concourse by area (7,200 m2), inspired by the lotus flower. This phase will also add two new platforms, bringing the total to five, and a new station building on the southern side that will be even larger. Phase 2 began construction in December 2023 and is expected to take 2-3 years to complete.
• Operational Enhancements: The station now operates key trains like the Gorakhpur–Prayagraj Vande Bharat Express, the Anand Vihar Terminal–Ayodhya Vande Bharat Express, and the Darbhanga–Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express.

The entire redevelopment project has transformed the station into a grand and beautiful gateway, reflecting the importance of Ayodhya as a spiritual and cultural centre.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The modernisation of Ayodhya Dham Junction is expected to significantly boost connectivity, accessibility, and tourism in Uttar Pradesh. With the completion of the Ram Mandir, the enhanced railway station can efficiently manage the increased flow of pilgrims and tourists. The provision of airport-like amenities and superior facilities ensures a comfortable and welcoming experience for all visitors, encouraging more people to travel to Ayodhya and contribute to the local economy. This development positions Ayodhya as a major destination on the national tourism map.

Location Of Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station

Address – Dharmakata, Q6Q2+56 Ayodhya,  Uttar Pradesh 224123

FAQ’s

How many trains halt at Ayodhya Dham Jn (Ay) railway station?

A total of 119 trains pass through Ayodhya Dham Jn Railway Station 68 trains with arrival and departure details.

What is the station code for Ayodhya Dham Jn railway station? 

The station code for Ayodhya Dham Jn Railway Station is AY.

Where is Ayodhya Junction railway station?

Ayodhya Junction railway station, officially known as Ayodhya Dham Junction, is located at Dharmakata, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Where is Ayodhya Dham junction?

Ayodhya Dham Junction is the official name given to the Ayodhya Junction railway station in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.