Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai flagged off a special train bound for Ayodhya from Platform 07 of Raipur Railway Station at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, under the Shri Ramlalla Darshan Yojana. The train, carrying 850 Shri Ram devotees from all 05 districts of Raipur division, departed amidst spirited chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed pride in the pilgrimage, stating, “This is a momentous occasion as the people of Chhattisgarh get on on a journey to seek the blessings of Shri Ramlalla. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi promised the commencement of the Shri Ramlalla Darshan Yojana after our government’s formation, and today marks the fulfillment of that pledge as the first train departs from Chhattisgarh to Ayodhya. In the future, trains will also operate from Bilaspur and Raigarh to Ayodhya under this scheme, offering devotees a weekly opportunity to visit Ayodhya Dham. In addition to Ayodhya, tours to other religious sites will also be organized. Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country to facilitate the Darshan of Shri Ramlalla at government expense. In March, the entire cabinet will visit Ayodhya for Ramlalla’s Darshan.”
Following the flag-off, the Raipur Railway Station resonated with echoes of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, continuing long after the train’s departure. It is worth mentioning that the 12-coach train can accommodate nearly 850 devotees from Chhattisgarh at once for the Darshan of Shri Ramlalla in Ayodhya. Commencing its operation on March 5, this special train is part of the Shri Ramlalla Darshan Yojana, offering devotees a comprehensive package. This package includes travel arrangements from Chhattisgarh to Ayodhya, accommodation, temple visits, breakfast, and meals. In addition, the train will be facilitated with tour escorts, security personnel, and a team of doctors to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the pilgrims.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Food Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel, along with MLAs Shri Rajesh Munat, Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Anuj Sharma, Shri Motiram Sahu, and other public representatives were present. Culture and Endowments Secretary Shri P. Anbalagan, Tourism Board Managing Director Shri Jitendra Shukla, Commissioner Public Relations Shri Mayank Srivastava, Collector Shri Gaurav Singh, S.P. Shri Santosh Singh, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shri Abinash Mishra, and officials and employees of the Tourism Department were also present.
