New Delhi, January 9:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the first journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a dedicated tourist train designed for the Indian diaspora, on Thursday.
This special train will travel to various tourist and religious destinations across India over the course of three weeks. The initiative is part of the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, launched by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Express is a state-of-the-art, specially designed train, aimed at the Indian diaspora aged between 45 and 65 years. It offers a unique travel experience, catering specifically to their needs and interests.
The train’s journey, which started on January 9, will cover several prominent destinations, including Ayodhya, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kochi, Goa, Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Ajmer, Pushkar, and Agra. The train can accommodate up to 156 passengers.
The Modi government intentionally chose January 9 for the launch, marking the historical return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on the same date in 1915.
The tour is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), with a focus on connecting the Indian diaspora with their cultural roots.
Applications were invited by Indian Embassies around the world, prioritizing Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) from low-income backgrounds who may not have had the means to visit India otherwise.
According to the Ministry, the government will cover all expenses for the tour, including 90% of the return airfare for eligible participants traveling from their countries of origin to India. The remaining 10% of the airfare is to be borne by the participants. Accommodation will be arranged in 4-star or equivalent hotels based on the tour schedule.
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