In a significant move by the Indian Railways, 15 Aastha special trains are set to connect the city of Pune to the sacred town of Ayodhya.
This initiative comes in response to the fervor surrounding the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, attracting devotees from every corner of the country.
Commencing from 30 January 2024, these specially designated trains aim to facilitate the pilgrimage of devotees to Ayodhya. However, due to the surge in crowds at the destination, there is a possibility of delays in the train schedules.
Aastha Special Trains
The Railway Administration, taking a cautious approach, has planned all coaches of Astha trains to be sleeper class, accommodating around 1500 passengers per train.
The responsibility for the release of these trains falls under the Indian Railway Catering Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), with bookings restricted to groups of passengers. A minimum of 15 passengers is required for a group booking, ensuring a collective journey for devotees.
The release of these Astha Special Trains is scheduled from 30 January 2024 to 3 March 2024, with trains departing every two days.
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While the primary focus is on the departure from Pune, the growing congregation in Ayodhya has led railway authorities to contemplate potential delays in the schedules of these Astha trains.
The decision to prioritize a careful schedule adjustment is rooted in the anticipation of devotees converging from all corners of the country.
To manage the influx of devotees and streamline the pilgrimage experience, the railway authorities have decided that only vegetarian meals will be provided on these Astha trains.
This move reflects a commitment to catering to the religious and dietary preferences of the pilgrims.
Looking beyond Pune, there are discussions within the railway administration about expanding connectivity options by introducing Astha trains from Kolhapur to Ayodhya.
This expansion aims to provide additional pilgrimage avenues for devotees from various cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Wardha, and Jalna.
In the midst of these developments, the railway authorities are actively considering potential changes to the train schedule to accommodate the growing number of devotees.
The decision making process is underway, and an announcement is expected soon regarding any adjustments deemed necessary.
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This initiative is a testament to the Indian Railways’ commitment to ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience for pilgrims during this auspicious period.
By offering sleeper class coaches and focusing on group bookings, the railways aim to enhance the collective spiritual journey of devotees heading to Ayodhya.
As the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya continues to attract devotees from across the nation, these special Astha trains from Pune stand as a dedicated mode of transportation, facilitating the pilgrimage for countless believers.
The railway authorities cautious approach and consideration for potential schedule adjustments underscore their dedication to managing the large influx of devotees and ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Conclusion
The introduction of 15 special Aastha trains connecting Pune to Ayodhya is a commendable step by the Indian Railways to meet the demands of the devotees during this significant period.
This initiative not only highlights the logistical preparedness but also emphasizes the railways commitment to providing a spiritual and comfortable journey for pilgrims traveling to the sacred town of Ayodhya.
