Pilgrim-age Goals: Rajasthan's Elderly Ride in Style with Govt's AC Train Initiative

Image Source: Free Press Journal

Overview
The Rajasthan government has initiated a mass pilgrimage scheme for the elderly, providing end-to-end air-conditioned train travel to 13 holy sites within India. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the inaugural AC train under the initiative at Durgapura railway station, kicking off an ambitious drive to improve the comfort of travel for elderly pilgrims.

Key Features of the Pilgrimage Scheme
50,000 elderly people will be taken on a pilgrimage through AC trains this year.

The pilgrims in the first batch will go to Rameswaram and Madurai, two holy places in Tamil Nadu.

This is under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2025-26 designed to enhance access to religious places.

Special Travel Arrangements
The Rajasthan Vahini Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train has been specially equipped with heritage-coach trains inspired by the cultural diversity of Rajasthan.

Food, lodging, and travel will all be offered at no cost to pilgrims.

The train has paintings of Rajasthan's forts, temples, dance styles, and wildlife all around, providing an experience of traveling.

Scheme Expansion
Besides train travel, about 6,000 devotees will be flown to Nepal for a pilgrimage to the Pashupatinath Temple.

The government has enhanced the number of beneficiaries by 20,000 over past years.

Government officials highlight that the scheme is a move towards safeguarding and promoting India's spiritual heritage.

Guidance for Participants
Elderly citizens willing to participate in the pilgrimage can sign up through special government websites.

The scheme gives importance to accessibility so that elderly tourists have a comfortable and effortless journey.
Government authorities have promised that all arrangements, including medical, will be made available.
Sources: MSN, The Print, Times of India, Business Standard, ABP News.