Is Rajasthan Launching Its First Heritage-Themed AC Train for Pilgrims?

Jaipur, June 6 (NationPress) As part of the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme initiated by the Devasthan Department, the inaugural AC train, artfully crafted to reflect Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage, is set to depart for Rameswaram on Friday.

The train will commence its journey from Durgapura Railway Station, accommodating 776 pilgrims from six districts. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will officially flag off the train, accompanied by Joraram Kumawat, the Cabinet Minister of the Devasthan Department, as stated by officials.

This marks the first instance of deploying an AC train under the scheme, aimed at providing superior comfort to elderly passengers. The special train is exquisitely adorned, with each coach representing Rajasthan’s heritage through visuals of temples, forts, folk dances, and festivals like Teej. New this year is the inclusion of Goa in the itinerary, according to Kumawat during his conversation with IANS.

Out of the total pilgrims, 450 are from Jaipur and Dausa, 150 from Sikar, Alwar, and Jhunjhunu, while 176 will board from Bharatpur. Pilgrims from Bharatpur will pick up their journey at Sawai Madhopur.

The return trip is slated for the night of June 12. Special arrangements have been established for cleanliness, decorations, and informative displays to highlight pilgrimage sites and promote Rajasthan tourism.

Minister Kumawat mentioned that this train is part of the remaining 7,200 pilgrims budgeted for 2024-25.

Even though the AC train is part of the 2025-26 budget initiative, its introduction now aims to cater to these travelers.

“Passengers will experience travel in an AC train for the first time. Full comfort and aesthetic appeal have been prioritized. The application process for 50,000 pilgrims will commence shortly,” stated Cabinet Minister Joraram Kumawat in an interview with IANS.

This specially designed AC train for Rameswaram consists of 14 coaches, with saffron as the theme color, symbolizing the spiritual essence of the journey.

One coach is uniquely dedicated to showcasing Rajasthan’s significant contributions to the Indian Army, prominently featuring visuals from the Jaisalmer War Museum, Tanot Border, and Mahajan, which is the largest firing range in the continent. The pantry car will provide a flavorful experience of Rajasthan, serving traditional dishes like Kair-Sangri, Bajra Roti, Rabri, Lassi, and Kulfi for senior passengers.

This time, an exclusive mobile application has been developed to offer detailed information related to the pilgrimage, enhancing convenience and engagement for travelers.

The train journey spans eight days, during which pilgrims will visit sacred sites such as Ramnath Swami Jyotirling, Dhanushkodi, Brahmakund, and the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

Each coach provides passengers with a visual experience of Rajasthan's heritage, showcasing forts, palaces, temples, folk dances, musical instruments, wildlife, and traditional festivals, transforming the train into a moving museum of the state's cultural richness.