Ram Mandir: Railways to run 1,000+ trains to Ayodhya from across the country. Here are dates, cities

In a bid to accommodate the surge in demand during the first 100 days of the newly built Ram Mandir inauguration, the Indian Railways has announced plans to run more than 1,000 trains to Ayodhya from various parts of the country. These trains are set to start operating from January 19, just days before the grand inauguration ceremony, allowing pilgrims to travel to and from the holy city.

The temple, which will open its doors to the public from January 23, will witness the consecration of Lord Sri Ram’s idol. To facilitate travel for devotees, Ayodhya will be connected to different regions and cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, Nagpur, Lucknow, and Jammu. A source revealed that the number of trains can be increased based on demand, while the Ayodhya station has undergone renovations to handle the expected influx of visitors. The revamped station, capable of accommodating a daily footfall of 50,000 individuals, is set to be completed by January 15.

Additionally, some trains have been reserved as chartered services for pilgrims’ groups. Meanwhile, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is gearing up to provide round-the-clock catering services to meet the needs of the large number of pilgrims visiting Ayodhya during this period. Multiple food stalls will be set up to cater to the demand.

Apart from visiting the birthplace of Lord Ram, pilgrims will now have the opportunity to enjoy a ride on an electric catamaran on the holy Saryu river. The catamaran, with a capacity of accommodating 100 people, will serve as an added attraction for devotees seeking a spiritual experience in Ayodhya.