Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Monday inaugurated the first pilgrimage special train from Jaipur to Madurai and Rameswaram at Durgapura Railway Station.
In his address, Sharma highlighted the cultural significance of pilgrimages, calling them a symbol of India’s heritage. He noted that despite historical invasions that damaged cultural and religious sites, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to protect and enhance these centres.
Inspired by the Prime Minister, Sharma said the Rajasthan government is focusing on developing faith centres and organising pilgrimages for senior citizens. He added that while many people desire to visit pilgrimage sites, financial constraints have often been a barrier.
The Senior Citizen Tirth Yatra Yojana, launched by the state government, aims to address this issue. Earlier this year, around 3,000 pilgrims were taken to Ayodhya to visit the Shri Ram Temple. This year, the scheme will send 15,000 pilgrims to Ayodhya and another 15,000 to other sites, with 6,000 pilgrims flying to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The state government will handle all aspects of the pilgrimage arrangements, including transportation, food, and accommodation, with an estimated expenditure of ₹80 crore.
Devasthan Minister Joraram Kumawat also spoke at the event, emphasising the state government’s commitment to preserving and developing religious and cultural heritage.
He noted that the state budget includes funding for the development of major religious sites and ₹13 crore for the decoration of 600 temples during festivals.
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