Groups of elderly friends and villagers express joy and gratitude for state-sponsored pilgrimage; CM Vishnu Deo Sai praised for the initiative
Published on: August 06, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
A wave of spiritual excitement filled the Rajnandgaon railway station as the first Pilgrim Special Train to Ayodhya under the Shri Ramlala Darshan Ayodhya Dham Yojana was flagged off. The faces of elderly passengers glowed with happiness as they boarded the train for a sacred journey they had once thought impossible.
Among the travelers were close friends Smt. Subhiya Devangan, Smt. Kumari Bai Sahu, Smt. Girja Bai, Smt. Mehtreen Bai, Smt. Meena Bai, Smt. Dhela Bai, and Smt. Sushila Bai—residents of Rajnandgaon who work together at the local grain market. Sitting in coach S-6, they shared their joy in traveling together for the first time. “As soon as we boarded the train, we were served breakfast and water. The facilities are excellent,” they remarked. “We never imagined we’d get to see Shri Ramlala in Ayodhya or visit Kashi Vishwanath. Thanks to this scheme, our dream is coming true.”
The pilgrims enthusiastically raised their hands in chants of “Shri Ramlala Ki Jai,” offering heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for the thoughtful initiative that made this spiritual journey possible.
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From village Bamhanicharbhatta in Chhuriya block, Shri Gajendra Vaishnav and his wife Smt. Lalita Vaishnav were also among the pilgrims. A farmer by profession, Shri Vaishnav expressed how he longed to visit Ayodhya but financial constraints made it difficult. “Today, because of the Chief Minister’s efforts, we are blessed with this opportunity,” he said with emotion.
Fellow passengers from Chhuriya block, including Rohit Kumar Sahu, Sunil Kumar Mandloi, Mansharam, Rajeshwar Dhruv, Smt. Urmila Dhruv, Smt. Bimla Bai, and Smt. Devki Bai, shared similar sentiments. They praised the convenience of having the special train depart directly from Rajnandgaon, which reduced travel time and effort for district residents.
“From the moment we boarded, we were given breakfast and water. The arrangement is very comfortable. The state government has ensured that senior citizens from all walks of life can now easily undertake pilgrimages,” they stated.
The Shri Ramlala Darshan Ayodhya Dham Yojana is rapidly becoming a beacon of hope and faith for elderly citizens across Chhattisgarh, enabling them to visit holy sites with dignity, comfort, and care.
