In a significant move to enhance tourism and strengthen bilateral ties between India and Nepal, the proposed Ramayana Circuit is set to play a pivotal role. The circuit, part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme by the Indian government's Ministry of Tourism, encompasses major pilgrimage sites in both countries associated with the era of Ramayana.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, emphasised the circuit's potential to boost Indian tourism to Nepal. Speaking at an event organised by the Pokhara Tourism Council on Tourism Day 2023 in Pokhara, Ambassador Srivastava highlighted how the Ramayana Circuit acts as a bridge between the two nations. Last year, a Ramayana Train visited Nepal's Janakpur, promoting Indian tourism to the region. Furthermore, the railways connecting Janakpur-Kurtha-Bijulpura are expected to increase the influx of tourists.

The circuit encompasses renowned pilgrimage destinations such as Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, where a temple dedicated to Lord Ram is under construction, and Janakpur in Nepal, believed to be the birthplace of Sita, Lord Ram's consort. This initiative marks one of the 15 thematic circuits identified for development under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

Additionally, the India-Nepal development partnership has gained momentum, with efforts to increase electricity imports to India from Nepal to 10,000 MW over the next decade. An additional 180 MW of electricity export to India has been approved, allowing Nepal to export 631 MW of power to India. This partnership has also seen enhancements in people-to-people connectivity, including the operationalization of the Kurtha-Bijalpura rail link and community development projects facilitated by Indian grants.

The Ramayana Circuit not only promises to enhance spiritual and cultural tourism but also fosters stronger ties between India and Nepal. As both nations work together to develop and promote these pilgrimage sites, it is expected that tourism will play a vital role in boosting the economies and cultural exchange between the two countries.