Ramayana Express to ply in all new look by March end: Indian Railways

New Delhi: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is set to launch the Ramayana Express, a tourist train which covers four important destinations associated with the life of Lord Ram, in all new look and high-tech facilities by March end this year."The train will be full of modern amenities", Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav said on Saturday.

The tourist train, Ramayana Express, was launched in November 2018 giving a major boost to the Indian pilgrim circuit. The train has an overall capacity of 800 passengers and the tickets are priced at Rs 15,120 per person.

"The train with all new rack, will have both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches so that people of every income group can get an opportunity to travel. Pictures of the stories of Ramayana will be carved out of the rack of this vehicle. The entire atmosphere inside will also be coloured with devotion. The tunes of Bhajan etc. will continue to resonate", the Chairman said.

Mr Yadav said that soon the dates and starting locations of the entire year of operation of Ramayana Express will be announced. "This time it will be started from different places of the country so that the people can get the opportunity to travel", he said. Speaking about the package, he said that a final decision has not yet been made about the rent and will be announced soon.

In response to a question, he indicated in future an effort will also be made to connect Ramayana Express to Janakpur in Nepal.Notably the Indian Railways in collaboration with the Government of Nepal has laid a railway line from Jayanagar to Janakpur. It is expected to be inaugurated soon. The train will connect Rameswaram, Nashik, Chitrakoot and Ayodhya.(UNI)