Under the leadership of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Neelu Sharma, the train will carry 850 pilgrims from Durg and Bastar divisions to Ayodhya Dham
Published on: August 06, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In a major boost to religious tourism and regional connectivity, the special Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana train will now depart from Rajnandgaon Railway Station on August 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM, marking a significant expansion of the Chhattisgarh Government’s ambitious pilgrimage initiative.
The development comes following persistent efforts by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Neelu Sharma, who has been instrumental in coordinating with railway authorities to ensure the train begins its journey from Rajnandgaon. The train will make a 20-minute halt at Durg Railway Station, where local public representatives will welcome the pilgrims.

Responding to long-standing public demand from Rajnandgaon residents, Sharma took prompt action soon after assuming office. Through consistent communication, formal proposals, and personal meetings with railway officials, he ensured that the demands of the people were honored.
This new arrangement has sparked joy and gratitude among local residents, many of whom praised Neelu Sharma for his dedication to public service and religious harmony. A total of 850 pilgrims from Durg and Bastar divisions will travel aboard this special train to Ayodhya Dham, where they will have the opportunity to witness the sacred Ram Lalla Darshan.
Chairman Sharma, along with local MLAs, district administration officials, IRCTC representatives, and Tourism Board members, will be present at the station to send off the pilgrims with a ceremonial flag-off.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/special-pilgrimage-train-from-rajnandgaon-to-ayodhya-for-shri-ram-lalla-darshan-to-depart-on-august-6/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/devotees-flock-to-singholas-mahakal-temple-for-ram-lalla-darshan-on-ram-navami/
The Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, launched under the vision of the Chhattisgarh government, aims to provide every eligible citizen with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Ayodhya Dham. An MoU was signed on February 23, 2024, between the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board and IRCTC to facilitate these spiritual journeys.
Since its launch, over 23,800 pilgrims from various divisions including Raipur, Bilaspur, Sarguja, and Durg-Bastar have visited Ayodhya Dham and also been blessed with darshan of Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi as part of the itinerary.
This special train service to Ayodhya will continue on a weekly basis, serving pilgrims from different regions of the state. The initiative not only strengthens cultural and religious ties but also brings alive the symbolic relationship of “Chhattisgarh as the maternal home (nanihal) of Lord Ram.”