Ram Mandir: Railways to run Aastha special train to Ayodhya from 66 stations. Here is the list of cities

In a significant move by the Indian Railways, special trains titled "Aastha Specials" are set to connect 66 locations across the nation, facilitating pilgrims' journey to Ayodhya following the inauguration of the Ram Temple. The commencement of these operations is scheduled for January 22, aligning with the auspicious consecration ceremony. A circular released by the railways outlines the deployment of 66 rakes, each comprising 22 coaches, from various regions, with additional rakes to be added based on demand, a TOI report stated.

Tickets for these trains will be exclusively available for round trips, and it's noteworthy that the train particulars will not be disclosed in the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) due to security considerations. However, bookings will be efficiently handled by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

The trains will start from theser four key stations in Delhi – New Delhi, Old Delhi, Nizamuddin, and Anand Vihar. The Aastha Specials will also originate from diverse cities such as

Agartala
Tinsukia
Barmer
Katra
Jammu
Nashik
Dehradun
Bhadrak
Khurda Road
Kotayam
Secunderabad
Hyderabad
Kazipet.

Tamil Nadu:
Furthermore, Tamil Nadu will feature nine stations, including Chennai, Salem, and Madurai, offering Aastha Specials for those embarking on a pilgrimage to Ayodhya.

Maharashtra:
In Maharashtra, these special trains are set to operate from seven stations, namely Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai, Wardha, Jalna, and Nashik. The introduction of these Aastha Specials reflects the Indian Railways' commitment to facilitating seamless travel experiences for pilgrims, with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Quoting the official circular, "The operation of these trains is a strategic effort to accommodate the growing demand for transportation to Ayodhya in light of the significant events surrounding the Ram Temple inauguration." This initiative not only underscores the railways' responsiveness to the needs of the public but also emphasizes the importance of security measures in the current context.

As the nation prepares for this remarkable journey to Ayodhya, the Indian Railways plans to provide a reliable and secure mode of transportation for pilgrims embarking on this spiritual voyage.