Ayodhya Dham Junction is one of the most important railway stations in Uttar Pradesh and serves as the primary rail gateway to the holy city of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. Formerly known as Ayodhya Junction, the station was officially renamed Ayodhya Dham Junction in December 2023 ahead of the inauguration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Today, it is among the busiest pilgrimage railway stations in North India, welcoming lakhs of devotees and tourists every month.
Managed by the Northern Railway (NR) under the Lucknow Division, Ayodhya Dham Junction connects the city with major destinations including New Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Patna, and Jammu. With modern passenger amenities, redeveloped infrastructure, and excellent connectivity, the station offers a comfortable travel experience for pilgrims, tourists, and regular passengers alike.
Ayodhya Dham Junction at a Glance
| Details | Information |
| Station Name | Ayodhya Dham Junction |
| Station Code | AY |
| Railway Zone | Northern Railway (NR) |
| Railway Division | Lucknow Division |
| Location | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh |
| Station Category | NSG-2 |
| Type | Railway Junction |
| Number of Platforms | 3 |
| Tracks | 5 Broad Gauge |
| Parking Facility | Available |
| Waiting Hall | Available |
| Retiring Room | Available |
| Cloak Room | Available |
| Free Wi-Fi | Available |
| Escalators & Lifts | Available |
| Food Plaza | Available |
| Wheelchair Assistance | Available |
Ayodhya Dham Junction Station Code
The official station code of Ayodhya Dham Junction is AY.
Passengers use this station code while:
- Booking train tickets on IRCTC
- Checking live train running status
- Viewing train schedules
- Tracking PNR status
- Finding platform information
- Railway reservations
While booking tickets, ensure you select AY, as nearby stations such as Ayodhya Cantt (AYC), Sohawal, Darshan Nagar, and Goshainganj serve different railway routes.
Ayodhya Dham Junction Platform Information
Ayodhya Dham Junction has 3 commercial platforms serving express, superfast, passenger, MEMU, and special pilgrimage trains. The station has been extensively redeveloped with modern concourses, improved passenger circulation, escalators, lifts, digital display boards, and enhanced waiting areas.
Platform assignments may change depending on railway operations. Passengers should always verify their platform number through digital display boards, official announcements, the NTES app, or IRCTC before boarding.
Platform Overview
| Platform | Common Usage |
| Platform 1 | Long-distance Express & Superfast Trains |
| Platform 2 | Mail, Express & Regional Trains |
| Platform 3 | Passenger, MEMU & Special Trains |
All platforms are connected through foot overbridges, lifts, and escalators for easy passenger movement.
Major Trains from Ayodhya Dham Junction
Ayodhya Dham Junction is served by several important trains connecting the holy city with different parts of India.
| Train Name | Destination |
| Vande Bharat Express | New Delhi |
| Kaifiyat Express | New Delhi |
| Saryu Express | Prayagraj |
| Ayodhya Express | Mumbai |
| Humsafar Express | Anand Vihar Terminal |
| Sadbhavana Express | Muzaffarpur |
| Antyodaya Express | Delhi |
| Express Special Trains | Various Cities |
| Intercity Express | Lucknow |
| MEMU Passenger Services | Nearby Towns |
Several weekly, festival, and special pilgrimage trains also originate from or halt at the station.
Popular Routes from Ayodhya Dham Junction
Passengers can directly travel to several major destinations from Ayodhya Dham Junction.
Popular routes include:
- Ayodhya to Lucknow
- Ayodhya to New Delhi
- Ayodhya to Varanasi
- Ayodhya to Prayagraj
- Ayodhya to Gorakhpur
- Ayodhya to Kanpur
- Ayodhya to Patna
- Ayodhya to Mumbai
- Ayodhya to Ahmedabad
- Ayodhya to Jaipur
- Ayodhya to Chandigarh
- Ayodhya to Kolkata
Passenger Services
Ayodhya Dham Junction provides several passenger-friendly services for a comfortable journey.
Waiting Hall
Separate waiting halls are available for reserved and general passengers with ample seating.
Retiring Room
Passengers with valid train tickets can book retiring rooms and dormitories for short stays.
Cloak Room
A cloak room facility is available for passengers who wish to store luggage while visiting nearby religious attractions.
Free Wi-Fi
Free RailWire Wi-Fi is available throughout the station premises.
Food & Refreshments
Passengers can enjoy meals, snacks, tea, coffee, packaged food, and beverages from IRCTC food outlets and refreshment stalls.
Accessibility
Wheelchairs, lifts, escalators, accessible toilets, tactile pathways, and passenger assistance services are available for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers.
Parking Facility
Paid parking facilities are available for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers near the station entrance. Dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas are also available for taxis and private vehicles.
Entry & Exit Gates
Ayodhya Dham Junction has multiple entry and exit points providing convenient access to ticket counters, waiting halls, parking areas, taxi stands, e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services. The station is well connected to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and other important religious sites in Ayodhya.
Nearby Railway Stations
| Railway Station | Approx. Distance |
| Ayodhya Cantt Junction | 6 km |
| Darshan Nagar | 8 km |
| Sohawal | 14 km |
| Goshainganj | 22 km |
| Faizabad Junction | 6 km |
How to Reach Ayodhya Dham Junction
By Air
The nearest airport is Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, located approximately 10 km from the railway station. Taxis, app-based cab services, and buses are readily available.
By Bus
UPSRTC and private buses regularly connect Ayodhya with Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, and nearby cities.
By Taxi or Auto
Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cab services are available throughout the day outside the station.
Hotels Near Ayodhya Dham Junction
| Hotel | Approx. Distance | Category |
| Ramayana Hotel | 2 km | Premium |
| The Ramayana Ayodhya | 2 km | Premium |
| Hotel Krinoscco | 1 km | Mid-range |
| Hotel Shane Awadh | 2 km | Budget |
| Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya | 5 km | Luxury |
Places to Visit Near Ayodhya Dham Junction
| Tourist Attraction | Approx. Distance |
| Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple | 2 km |
| Hanuman Garhi | 2 km |
| Kanak Bhawan | 2 km |
| Ram Ki Paidi | 3 km |
| Saryu River Ghats | 3 km |
| Nageshwarnath Temple | 3 km |
| Tulsi Smarak Bhawan | 3 km |
Travel Tips
- Reach the station at least 30–45 minutes before your train departs.
- Keep your train ticket and a valid photo ID ready.
- Verify your platform number through digital display boards or official announcements.
- Visit Shri Ram Janmabhoomi early in the morning to avoid heavy crowds.
- Use e-rickshaws or app-based taxis for convenient travel around Ayodhya.
- Download the NTES or IRCTC Rail Connect app for real-time train updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the station code of Ayodhya Dham Junction?
The station code of Ayodhya Dham Junction is AY.
How many platforms are there at Ayodhya Dham Junction?
Ayodhya Dham Junction has 3 commercial platforms serving express, superfast, passenger, and regional trains.
Which railway zone manages Ayodhya Dham Junction?
The station comes under the Northern Railway (NR) and is managed by the Lucknow Division.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Ayodhya Dham Junction?
Yes, passengers can access free RailWire Wi-Fi throughout the station.
Which is the nearest airport to Ayodhya Dham Junction?
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya is located approximately 10 km from the railway station.
Which railway stations are located near Ayodhya Dham Junction?
Nearby stations include Ayodhya Cantt Junction, Darshan Nagar, Sohawal, Goshainganj, and Faizabad Junction.
Why is Ayodhya Dham Junction important?
Ayodhya Dham Junction is one of the most important pilgrimage railway stations in India. It serves as the primary rail gateway to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and connects Ayodhya with major cities across the country.
Where is Ayodhya Dham Junction station?
Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station is located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 2 km from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and is easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, city bus, and app-based cab services.
Conclusion
Ayodhya Dham Junction is one of Uttar Pradesh’s most significant railway stations and the principal gateway to the sacred city of Ayodhya. Its modern infrastructure, excellent rail connectivity, passenger-friendly amenities, and close proximity to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and other religious attractions make it an ideal arrival point for pilgrims and tourists. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons, sightseeing, or onward travel, planning your journey with the right station information will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
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