Special Train: A Blend of Devotion and Comfort
Launched in collaboration with the Tourism Department, IRCTC, and Indian Railways, this train has traveled from Nagpur via Itarsi, Bina, Bhopal, Agra, and Mathura before reaching Uttarakhand. It features first, second, and third AC coaches, along with two modern restaurant coaches and kitchen facilities for pilgrims’ meals.
Security personnel have been deployed in each coach to ensure passenger safety.
Comprehensive Schedule of Pilgrimage Visits
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June 8: Arrival in Rishikesh and attendance at evening Ganga Aarti
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June 9: Departure by road to Rudraprayag
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From June 10 onwards: Pilgrims divided into three groups to visit Shri Kartik Swami Temple, Badrinath, and Kedarnath
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June 14: Departure from Rishikesh to Nagpur at 10 PM
Comfortable overnight accommodations have been arranged at all locations, and each bus traveling by road includes a dedicated tour escort.
Spiritual Significance and Tourism Promotion Commitment
Tourism Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj praised this initiative, stating that Uttarakhand has always been a center of India’s spiritual heritage. The state government aims to promote ancient yet lesser-known religious sites and encourage pilgrim visits from all corners of the country.
He highlighted that Shri Kartik Swami Temple, located in Rudraprayag, is the only temple in North India dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (Murugan), who is widely revered in Tamil Nadu and southern India. This northern seat of Lord Skanda offers a unique spiritual experience to devotees.
Past Success and Future Plans
Last year, the Tourism Department operated five special tourist trains that successfully connected lesser-known pilgrimage sites in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions to various parts of the country. This initiative not only promoted religious tourism but also gave a boost to the local economy.
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