In anticipation of the grand opening of the Ram Mandir on January 22, the Chhattisgarh government has approved an annual initiative of free train travel for those wishing to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
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- What is the scheme?
- Who will choose the pilgrims?
- Where can you take the special train from?
What is the scheme?
Ram Mandir under construction in Ayodhya/ Image: X
An official confirmed that the decision was taken after a cabinet meeting convened by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. “Delivering on one more assurance promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2023 assembly elections,” according to a press release.
According to the report, 20,000 people would travel by train to Ayodhya for the annual pilgrimage. This scheme is open to medically fit people aged between 18 and 75. The first section would involve the selection of people over 55 years of age.
Who will choose the pilgrims?
Representational image of a train / Image: Canva
A committee would be formed under the direction of the collector of each district to elect the pilgrims. “The plan would be implemented by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, and the state tourism department would provide the necessary budget,” a press release said.
A memorandum of understanding will be signed with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to carry out the project and a weekly special train will be scheduled.
Where can you take the special train from?
People can use the special train from Raipur, Durg, Raigarh and Ambikapur stations. According to a government statement, Ayodhya will be the main destination of the 900-kilometre trek. During the tour, pilgrims will spend the night in Varanasi, where they will visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and participate in the Ganga Aarti.
Newly renovated railway station in Ayodhya / Image:PTI
Notably, the Sai administration last week declared January 22 as a “dry day” to commemorate the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn