New Delhi, 9 January 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train designed for the Indian diaspora, in a virtual ceremony from New Delhi.
This notable initiative aims to connect Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with their cultural roots through a curated three-week journey covering iconic religious and tourist destinations across India.
Part of the Ministry of External Affairs’ Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana, the train specifically caters to Indian-origin individuals aged 45 to 65. Its launch on January 9 commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in 1915, a symbolic nod to reconnecting with one’s homeland.
“This train is more than a mode of travel; it is a bridge to bring our diaspora closer to their heritage,” said a ministry official.
The train departs from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi and follows a route that includes Ayodhya, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kochi, Goa, Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Ajmer, Pushkar, and Agra. With a capacity of 156 passengers, the train boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance the travel experience.
The Ministry of External Affairs collaborated with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to organize the tour. Indian embassies worldwide invited applications for the program, prioritizing Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) from low-income groups who might not otherwise afford a trip to India.
Under this program, the ministry will cover all expenses for the train journey and 90% of return airfare from participants’ countries of residence to India. Travelers are required to pay only 10% of their airfare.
Accommodations will be arranged at four-star or equivalent hotels, ensuring comfort throughout the journey.
This initiative reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen bonds with the Indian diaspora and promote cultural ties while showcasing the country’s diverse heritage.
