Under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme, the Rajasthan government has, for the first time, designed a special fully air-conditioned train for senior citizens. Around 800 pilgrims boarded this train to visit Rameshwaram and Madurai on Friday. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma flagged off the train from Jaipur.
The eight-day-long journey includes darshan at Ramnath Swami Jyotirlinga, Dhanushkoti, Brahmakund, and the famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
The Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme has been running in the state for about ten years, but this is the first time senior citizens have been offered a specially designed air-conditioned train. As per the government's budget announcement, around 50,000 senior citizens will visit various pilgrimage sites on this train in the coming months.
Devasthan Department Minister Joraram Kumawat said that the “Rajasthan Vahini Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train” has been decorated to reflect the nature and culture of Rajasthan. The train's 14 coaches feature themes based on forts, heritage, temples, dance, musical instruments, festivals, art, and culture of the state.
“To display the golden aura of sunrise and sunset in the desert, a yellowish saffron color has been prominently used in the theme. Along with the royal essence of Rajasthan, various symbols of temples and auspiciousness have also been incorporated in the design,” said the minister.
One coach on the train has been specially dedicated to Rajasthan’s contribution to the Indian Army, with depictions of the Jaisalmer War Museum, Tanot Border, and Mahajan Firing Range.
Senior citizens will also be served authentic Rajasthani cuisine including Ker-Sangri, Bajra Roti, Rabri, Lassi, Kulfi, and more.
All arrangements for accommodation, meals, and other needs of the passengers will be managed by the Devasthan Department. One train in-charge, two government employees as instructors in each coach, along with a doctor and two nursing officers, will ensure the passengers' health and well-being throughout the journey.
