Pravasi Bharatiya Express: Exclusive tourist train for NRIs inaugurated

In order to strengthen ties between the Indian diaspora and their homeland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Express on Thursday (January 9, 2025). This is a state-of-the-art tourist train, designed exclusively for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The train’s launch comes under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs.
This specialised train is tailored for Indians aged 45 to 65, offering them a unique, hassle-free, and immersive journey through some of the country’s most iconic tourism and religious destinations. The three-week long journey will start from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi. The extensive route covers iconic tourist destinations like Ayodhya, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kochi, Goa, Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Ajmer, Pushkar, and Agra.
The train, with a capacity of 156 passengers, is designed to provide a comfortable and enriching travel experience. Outside the train, travellers will have their accommodations in 4-star or equivalent hotels. For those interested in spiritual travel in India, this is a great opportunity as each destination on the route has been meticulously chosen to showcase India’s spiritual and historical significance.
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Interestingly, the date of the launch, January 9, holds historical importance. This day in history marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.
If reports are to go by, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced that it will cover all expenses for the guided tour, including 90 percent of return airfare. Participants will be required to contribute only 10 percent of their airfare cost.
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The Pravasi Bharatiya Express is in collaboration with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). This collaboration ensures seamless travel logistics and top-notch services.
The journey’s itinerary is carefully curated, and it includes iconic locations such as the temple town of Ayodhya, the spiritual ghats of Varanasi, the architectural wonders of Mahabalipuram, the serene beaches of Goa, and the towering Statue of Unity in Kevadia. These are just a few of the many attractions that will feature enroute.