Indian Railways launches Aastha Special trains which enhances religious tourism connectivity.

In a significant endeavor to facilitate pilgrimage to the holy city of Ayodhya, the Indian Railways has launched a series of special trains titled “Aastha Trains.” These trains serve as a symbolic bridge connecting devotees from various corners of the country to the sacred land associated with Lord Ram’s birthplace. The recent inauguration of these Aastha Trains marks a momentous step towards enhancing pilgrim connectivity and promoting religious tourism. They announced “Aastha Specials,” connecting 66 locations nationwide for pilgrims’ journey to Ayodhya post-Ram Temple inauguration. Operations began on January 22. A circular detailed 66 rakes, each with 22 coaches.

The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has significantly boosted tourism, drawing pilgrims and tourists nationwide. This surge has led to enhanced local infrastructure and highlighted Ayodhya’s cultural importance, establishing it as a prominent spiritual destination.

The Ramayana Yatra program, introduced by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), utilizes the advanced Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist train. Its inaugural journey, starting on February 4, 2024, includes a Nepal tour connecting to Ayodhya, catering to spiritual enthusiasts interested in Lord Ram’s life events. The “Shri Ramayan Yatra” tour, designed for NRI tourists from the UK & Portugal, departed from Delhi Safdarjung Railway station on February 4 via the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC tourist train.

TRIPURA: The Indian Railways initiated another special “Aastha” train, transporting approximately 400 pilgrims from Tripura to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the train from Agartala Railway Station on Wednesday. Saha expressed, “This marks the first instance where such a large group from Tripura embarks on a pilgrimage together to the holy site. People from across the nation are visiting Lord Ram every day. The inauguration of the Ram Temple has fostered a spiritual atmosphere nationwide.”

“I am delighted to initiate the train’s journey and witness this significant event at Agartala railway station this evening. Also, I distributed dry fruit packets among the pilgrims. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji and Hon’ble Minister for Railways Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji for arranging this special train for the people of Tripura,” Manik Saha mentioned in a post on X.

MAHARASHTRA: The train, carrying 1340 passengers, faced a distressing situation when it was targeted with stones by miscreants near Nandurbar on 12 February. The incident stirred panic among passengers, prompting some to hastily close the window panes to shield themselves from the attack. However, despite their efforts, stones managed to penetrate the coach, adding to the chaos. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) of Nandurbar, Sanjay Mahajan, confirmed the occurrence, highlighting the alarming nature of the incident. Authorities are investigating the matter to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safety of passengers traveling on the route.

KERALA: On February 9, Kerala’s inaugural Aastha Special Train to Ayodhya was ceremoniously flagged off from Kochuveli Railway Station, marking a historic milestone for the state. Departing with devout pilgrims, this train embarks on a spiritual journey to the sacred city of Ayodhya, resonating with the fervent faith and devotion of the passengers. 

Aastha Special trains:

• North India: Delhi, Jammu, Haridwar, Katra, Rishikesh
• West India: Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Ujjain, Ahmedabad
• Central India: Nagpur, Bhopal, Shirdi, Jabalpur
• South India: Chennai, Bengaluru, Madurai, Mysore, Hyderabad
• East India: Kolkata, Patna, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar
  

The Aastha trains not only provide a mode of transportation but also foster a sense of community and camaraderie among the pilgrims. As devotees embark on their spiritual odyssey, the journey itself becomes an integral part of the pilgrimage experience, offering moments of reflection, prayer, and fellowship. The train compartments resonate with the chants of hymns, the fragrance of incense, and the shared anticipation of reaching their sacred destination. The launch of Aastha trains reflects the government’s commitment to promoting religious tourism and preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. By enhancing accessibility to religious sites and pilgrimage destinations, initiatives like the Aastha Trains contribute to the socio-economic development of local communities, bolstering tourism infrastructure and generating employment opportunities.

BY – KASHISH JAIN