NEW DELHI: In anticipation of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, Indian Railways has unveiled plans to operate over 1,000 trains from various parts of the country to Ayodhya within the first 100 days of the temple’s inauguration. The operation is set to commence on January 19, just days before the grand ceremony, facilitating pilgrims’ travel to and from the holy city.
The temple, scheduled to be open to the public from January 23, a day after the consecration of Lord Sri Ram’s idol, has prompted Indian Railways to enhance its services to accommodate the surge in demand. These special trains will establish connections between Ayodhya and major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, Nagpur, Lucknow, and Jammu. Ayodhya’s railway station has also undergone refurbishment to handle an increased footfall, with completion expected by January 15.
Sources reveal that in addition to regular services, some trains are being chartered by pilgrim groups heading to Ayodhya. The railway’s catering and ticketing PSU, IRCTC, is preparing to provide round-the-clock catering services for pilgrims during the influx over the 10-15 day period.
Pilgrims visiting the birthplace of Lord Ram will also have an added attraction, as they can enjoy a ride in an electric catamaran on the holy Saryu river. The catamaran, with a capacity to accommodate 100 persons, adds to the overall experience for devotees.
