Rampath Yatra Express: IRCTC flags off special train for pilgrimage to Ayodhya

The Rampath Yatra Express, connecting Maharashtra's Pune to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, was flagged off on Saturday with an aim to promote pilgrimage tourism after the success of the Ramayana Express.

The new special train will tour six pilgrim destinations associated with Lord Ram. These include Nandigram, Shringverpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Ayodhya, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) group general manager (West) Rahul Himalian told sources.

"The full-circuit Ramayana Yatra adds Hampi, Nashik and Rameshwaram," he added.

The train will have AC class as well as sleeper coaches, IRCTC has said. The full package costs ₹14,490, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, stay, transport, and a guide. Interested passengers can book their train tickets on www.irctctourism.com.

"The launch of this train is aimed at promoting pilgrimage tourism, covering pilgrim sites in a tour of seven days and eight nights. It'll run with sleeper class and AC-3 tier," the divisional railway manager (DRM) of Pune division Renu Sharma said.