Good news for devotees! Indian Railways is running a series of special trains to facilitate visits to Ayodhya for a glimpse of the Ram Mandir. Several trains, including Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express, connect the temple city to various parts of the nation. The national transporter has also introduced special trains from various locations, such as Punjab, Tripura and other states.
Vande Bharat Express to Ayodhya
The Vande Bharat Express with train numbers 22426/22425, operating between Anand Vihar Terminal and Ayodhya Cantonment, stands as India’s 36th Vande Bharat Express train. This service, managed by Indian Railways, seamlessly connects Anand Vihar Terminal, Kanpur Central, Lucknow Charbagh, and Ayodhya Cantt. Junction. Operating six days a week, the train comprises 7 AC Chair Car and 1 Executive Chair Car coaches, covering a distance of 628 km (390 mi) in a travel time of 8 hours and 20 minutes, boasting an average speed of 75 km/h. Traveling in an AC Chair Car costs Rs 1570 per passenger, while opting for an Executive Chair Car requires a fare of Rs 2915.
Amrit Bharat Express to Ayodhya
The Amrit Bharat Express travels a distance of 637 km in a duration of 10 hours. During its journey, it makes halts at Aligarh, Tundla, Etawah, Kanpur Central, and Lucknow. The train exclusively features Sleeper Class compartments, with a fare set at Rs 410. The train strategically makes stoppages at various stations, ensuring accessibility and connectivity for passengers. The key stations along the route include Kamtul, Janakpur Road, Sitamarhi, Bairgania, Raxaul, Narkatiyaganj, Bagha, Kaptanganj, Gorakhpur, Basti, Mankapur, Ayodhya Dham, Lucknow, Kanpur Central, Etawah, Tundla, Aligarh Junction, and culminating at Anand Vihar Terminal.
200 special Aastha trains
Indian Railways is likely to operate more than 200 special Aastha trains destined for Ayodhya. These specialised trains, designed with minimal stops, will establish direct connections between various cities and towns across India to Ayodhya Dham station. The service is slated to extend for 100 days from January 22, catering to the needs of devoted pilgrims.
These trains are set to link 66 distinct locations nationwide with Ayodhya, with each train comprising 22 coaches to accommodate devotees intending to visit the Ram temple. The proposed Special Aastha trains are expected to run through stations in key cities, including New Delhi, Old Delhi, Nizamuddin, and Anand Vihar. Beyond the national capital, these trains are also scheduled to serve stations in cities such as Agartala, Tinsukia, Barmer, Katra, Jammu, Nashik, Dehradun, Bhadrak, Khurda Road, Kottayam, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kazipet.
3 special trains from Tripura to Ayodhya
Indian Railways has designated three special trains to transport people from Tripura to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh for prayers at the Ram temple. This allocation followed a request from Chief Minister Manik Saha to Railways Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw, urging the provision of special trains connecting Agartala to Ayodhya.
“The Railways has allocated three special trains for Ram Bhakts of the state to visit Ayodhya and offer prayers to Lord Ram. The three trains will leave the state for Ayodhya on January 31, February 21 and 27”, BJP Tripura Yuva Morcha general secretary Rana Ghosh told PTI.
4 special trains from Punjab to Ayodhya
Indian Railways is likely to introduce also four special trains from Punjab, facilitating convenient travel for those intending to visit Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh in February. The first pair comprises two special trains departing from Pathankot, with the inaugural journey scheduled for February 9 at 7:05 am. The train is set to reach Ayodhya Cantt on February 10 at 02:55 am, and the return journey is planned for February 11 at 12:40 am, arriving in Pathankot at 7 pm.
The second special train, originating from Nangal Dam on February 12 at 7 am, will reach Ayodhya Cantt on February 13 at 2:55 am, with the return journey commencing on February 14 at 12:40 am, arriving at Nangal Dam at 4:45 pm. The third train will depart from Chandigarh on February 19 at 10:20 am, arriving at Ayodhya Cantt on February 20 at 2:55 am, and the return journey is scheduled for February 21 at 12:40 am, reaching Chandigarh at 4:05 pm. The fourth and final special train will embark from Pathankot on February 23 at 7:05 am, reaching Ayodhya Cantt on February 24 at 2:55 am, with the return journey set for February 25 at 12:40 am, arriving in Pathankot at 7 pm.