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India launches Pravasi Bharatiya Express to connect diaspora with homeland
The Ministry of External Affairs, in partnership with Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), is organizing the tour under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY) scheme.
Departing from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi on Jan.9, 2025, the train is exclusively for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) aged 45-65 and will travel across key historical, cultural, and religious destinations in India over a three-week journey. / X/@PBDConvention
The Government of India is set to launch the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a dedicated tourist train aimed at reconnecting the Indian diaspora with their cultural roots.
Departing from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi on Jan.9, 2025, the train is exclusively for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) aged 45-65 and will travel across key historical, cultural, and religious destinations in India over a three-week journey.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in partnership with Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), is organizing the tour under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY) scheme. The chosen date marks the 110th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa, adding symbolic value to the event.
The route will cover stops at Ayodhya, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Mahabalipuram, Rameshwaram, Madurai, Kochi, Goa, Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Ajmer, Pushkar, and Agra, with a total passenger capacity of 156. According to officials, “This initiative is meant to provide the Indian diaspora with a unique opportunity to explore their heritage and spiritual landmarks.”
The Indian government will cover the complete costs of the train journey and will subsidize 90 percent of the return airfare for eligible PIOs. Travelers will need to cover only 10 percent of their airfare for the journey from their home countries. The initiative aims to strengthen ties with the diaspora by offering them a fully immersive cultural experience across some of India’s most treasured destinations.
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