CM flags off 1st train with 850 devotees for Ramlala darshan from Raipur junction, ET Infra

RAIPUR: Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai flagged off a special train with first batch of 850 devotees under the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana from Raipur junction on Tuesday.

As the train left from the platform number 7, he told the media that the state was first in the country to provide Ayodhya dhaam darshan to its people.

The 12-coach special train left Raipur junction around 1030 hours to Ayodhya with devotees from five districts of Raipur division.

Sai expressed said, “This is a momentous occasion as the people of Chhattisgarh get on a journey to seek blessings of Shri Ramlalla. PM Narendra Modi promised of Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana after BJP formed government, and today marks the fulfilment that pledge as the first train departs from Chhattisgarh to Ayodhya.”

CM added that trains in future will also operate from Bilaspur and Raigarh to Ayodhya under this scheme, offering devotees a weekly opportunity to visit Ayodhya Dham. Tours to other religious sites will also be organised, he added.

“In March, the entire cabinet will visit Ayodhya for Ramlalla’s Darshan,” CM said. The railway junction resonated with echoes of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans on the ocassion.

Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, includes travel arrangements from Chhattisgarh to Ayodhya, accommodation, temple visits, breakfast, and meals. The is serviced by tour escorts, security personnel, and a team of doctors to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the pilgrims.

Devotees said that it wasn’t possible for them to afford to travel to Ayodhya and expressed their thanks to the govt for arranging the tour for citizens

Culture minister Brijmohan Agrawal said that the beneficiaries have applied to the district collectors in the prescribed format. The district administration have prepared the list of passengers based on district-wise quota.

The list was sent to IRCTC and Chhattisgarh Tourism Board nodal agency. One escort for every 40 passengers will also be sent from each district.

He also said that in the coming time, along with Ayodhya, arrangements will also be made for darshan of Lord Vishwanath in Kashi and pilgrimage to Prayagraj through this train.