Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma flagged off a special pilgrimage train from Jaipur to Madurai and Rameswaram on Monday. The event took place at Durgapura Railway Station under the state’s Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme.
CM Sharma emphasized the importance of visiting pilgrimage sites, stating that such journeys bring peace of mind and infuse new energy and positivity. He highlighted the state government’s efforts to support and facilitate pilgrimages for senior citizens, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives to protect and develop India’s cultural herAitage.
“Our country faced numerous invasions that destroyed our cultural and religious heritage,” Sharma remarked. “However, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, our cultural centers have been revived. The construction of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and projects like the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Mahakal Lok are prime examples.”
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Sharma further noted that, following the Prime Minister’s example, the Rajasthan government is focusing on shrine development and organizing pilgrimages. Earlier this year, 3,000 pilgrims visited Ayodhya for Shri Ram Lalla darshan. This year, 15,000 pilgrims will be taken to Ayodhya, and an equal number to other pilgrimage sites, including Rameswaram-Madurai, Jagannathpuri, Tirupati, and more.
The state government will cover all expenses, including transportation, food, and accommodation, for these pilgrimages, with an estimated budget of Rs 80 crore.
The special train, carrying around 780 senior citizens from Jaipur, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, and Kota districts, embarked on a seven-day journey to Madurai and Rameswaram. To ensure the passengers’ well-being, two government employees are assigned to each coach, along with a doctor, two nursing officers, and security personnel.
