Haryana CM flags off first special pilgrim train to Ayodhya, announces Hazur Sahib service

Ambala: In a step towards expanding affordable religious travel, Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday flagged off the state's first special pilgrimage train carrying devotees from Ambala to Ayodhya. The chief minister also announced that another special train would be operated for pilgrims travelling to Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded in the last week of April.Addressing the gathering at the flag-off ceremony, Saini described the occasion as a "historic and emotional moment" for Haryana. He said it was a matter of pride to flag off the pilgrimage train from the land associated with Lord Krishna to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Congratulating the pilgrims, the chief minister said the grand temple of Lord Rama stands as a symbol of national pride and that getting the opportunity for darshan after the consecration of Ram Lalla was a matter of great fortune.Saini said the pilgrimage to Ayodhya was not merely a physical journey but a deeply spiritual experience for devotees. He said pilgrims would feel divine energy while visiting the banks of the Saryu River, offering prayers at Hanuman Garhi and entering the Ram temple in Ayodhya.The chief minister informed that the Haryana govt had signed an agreement with the railways to facilitate such pilgrimage tours. More than 700 elderly pilgrims from seven districts are travelling on the first special train to Ayodhya. He assured that arrangements for food, safety and comfort of pilgrims had been ensured and thanked railway officials for extending support to the initiative.Highlighting the state govt's commitment towards senior citizens and economically weaker devotees, Saini said no one should be deprived of visiting religious places due to financial constraints. He said the pilgrimage initiative was being implemented under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana. Under the scheme, devotees from districts such as Kaithal, Karnal, Ambala and Jind have already travelled to Ayodhya by buses.The chief minister added that places like Ayodhya serve as important centres of cultural and spiritual energy. He also referred to other state-run pilgrimage schemes, including the Sindhu Darshan Yojana, which provides financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per pilgrim, with a cap of 50 passengers annually, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra scheme, under which devotees receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per pilgrim.Under the Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana, pilgrims visiting Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nankana Sahib, Hemkunt Sahib and Takht Patna Sahib receive financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per person.Director general of information, public relations and languages K. Makrand Pandurang said the pilgrimage scheme reflects the chief minister's vision. He said the initiative has now been expanded through a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), enabling free train travel for senior citizens above 60 years of age with an annual family income below Rs 1.8 lakh.Pandurang said thousands of elderly citizens have already undertaken pilgrimages to Ayodhya and other religious places through luxury buses under the scheme, and the introduction of dedicated train services would further enhance accessibility and comfort for pilgrims.Several dignitaries, including former minister Aseem Goel, former minister Santosh Chauhan Sarwan, senior officials and public representatives, were present at the flag-off ceremony.Later in the day, CM Saini visited the residence of Haryana energy, transport and labour minister Anil Vij in Ambala Cantonment to enquire about his health and wish him a speedy recovery. On his arrival, Vij welcomed the chief minister by presenting him with a bouquet and a ceremonial shawl.