Why Ayodhya Dham Railway Station Gets Busy During Diwali?

Diwali is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated across India. It is celebrated for the return of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile and the victory over King Ravan. Ayodhya Dham Railway Station becomes highly crowded during this time because many people prefer to visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir to get blessings.

Ayodhya Station is popular because it is the nearest railway station to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The temple is about 2 km away from the railway station. Among destinations, this particular railway station became highly crowded during Diwali because thousands of people prefer to visit the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram.

Ayodhya Dham Junction Overview

Ayodhya Dham Railway Station (station code AY) is the nearest major railway station in Ayodhya. It is located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, and managed under the Northern Railway zone.

The station is crucial for visiting the most popular Ayodhya Ram Mandir. It is the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram and faces a large crowd due to its religious significance. Moreover, it is located about 2 km from the Ayodhya Dham station. So, check the train schedule to find the right train and plan well.

Key Details of Ayodhya Junction (AY)

Station: Ayodhya Junction Railway Station
Station Code: AY
Location: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Railway Zone: Northern Railway
No. of Platforms: 3
No. of Tracks: 5

Reasons for Popularity of Ayodhya Dham Railway Station

Multiple things make the Ayodhya railway station more popular among passengers. So, check a few of the main reasons below.

Temple-Inspired Design

The front wall of the station mimics a Hindu temple, connecting the station with the popular Ram Mandir. It makes the station different from other railway stations and has become a topic of conversation.

Massive Concourse

The station has a three-storey building with the largest railway concourse in India. It is designed to handle the heavy festive rush, especially for Ram Navmi or Diwali. Like the airport, the station offers separate arrival and departure areas to facilitate traffic management.

Premium Amenities at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station

With different amenities from other railway stations, Ayodhya station is well known for its premium amenities such as an infant care room, triple-height atrium, on-site sick room, tourist information desk, and many more. So, check the PNR status before reaching the station and before boarding.

Sustainable and Green Infrastructure

The railway station got the IGBC Green Building Certification. The building integrates a rainwater harvesting system and modern green technology, including the installation of solar panels across the building.

Premium Trains at Ayodhya Junction

The station serves thousands of passengers during peak seasons, offering comfortable space and smooth, flexible movement throughout the railway station. Premium trains like Vande Bharat Express, Amrit Bharat Express, and others have a stoppage at this railway station.

Also Read: Train Ticket Booking Time: When Should You Book Your Ticket?

What Makes Ayodhya Station Become Busy During Diwali?

Ayodhya Dham station becomes very congested during Diwali for multiple reasons. So, check some of the major factors that make the station busier during Diwali.

Religious Significance

This railway station becomes busy during Diwali because Lord Shri Ram returns on this day from the 14 years of exile after defeating Ravan. Moreover, people prefer to experience the spiritual atmosphere and participate in religious activities.

Diwali Celebration

The Ayodhya railway station becomes the first place to reach Ayodhya, where the Deepotsav celebration is popular in the country and the world. Moreover, its decorated ghats and religious ceremonies become a centre of attraction for many devotees.

Ram Mandir

The inauguration of Ram Mandir in January 2024 has increased national and international attention. It attracts a large population to witness the religious atmosphere. The Ayodhya station is the nearest railway station, only 2 km away, making it the first choice among tourists.

Special Festival Trains

Due to higher demand and to predict passengers choices, Northern Railway runs many special trains for the festival. Thus, it attracts many passengers and makes the station crowded during Diwali. However, passengers need to track the train running status to find the arrival time and plan accordingly.

Largest Station Concourse

The station went through major redevelopment, making it recognised as a national and international tourist destination because of its infrastructure. Its premium facilities and largest station concourse allow it to handle a large crowd at a time. Therefore, it becomes busy during Diwali with the arrival of pilgrims, tourists, and regular passengers.

Tips for Travelling to Ayodhya Railway Station

Since the Ayodhya station becomes busy during Diwali, passengers need to follow certain tips to make the journey comfortable.

Book Ticket Early: Many people travel during Diwali, but limited ticket availability and higher demand may not let you get a confirmed ticket. However, booking early increases the chance of getting a confirmed ticket.
Choose Premium Trains: Passengers can choose premium services like Vande Bharat and others because they get priority over other regular or special trains. It helps passengers reach the station on time, follow the train schedule, and stay relaxed throughout the journey.
Book Return Ticket: Ayodhya Junction gets overcrowded during Diwali. Therefore, passengers must plan their return journey to avoid last-minute chaos.
Check the Station Code: Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) and Ayodhya Dham Railway Station (AY) are both railway stations in Ayodhya. Therefore, passengers must check the station code before ticket booking to avoid last-minute surprises.
Book Retiring Room Earlier: Since Ayodhya station gets overcrowded during Diwali, booking a retiring room can help passengers secure accommodation to witness the Deepotsav and other religious activities.

Conclusion

Ayodhya Dham Railway Station becomes very busy during Diwali because of its religious significance. It became more special because of Deepotsav and the popular temple Ram Mandir inaugurated in January 2024.

Moreover, improved transportation options like special trains, improved infrastructure, and premium amenities make stations more popular among travellers. However, following certain hacks like booking tickets earlier, return planning, retiring room booking, and confirming the station code can help secure a confirmed ticket.