IRCTC to launch Shri Ramayana Yatra train

In a major boost to pilgrimage tourism, the Indian Railways is set to commence the iconic “Shri Ramayana Yatra” tour via the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train on 30 March, 2026.

The 17-day journey, departing from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, is designed to offer devotees a comprehensive trail of prominent destinations associated with the life of Lord Ram.

The initiative aligns with the Union Government’s “Dekho Apna Desh” and “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” visions. The curated itinerary spans approximately 7,560 km, covering key sites including Ayodhya, Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Buxar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Shringverpur, and Chitrakoot.

Notably, the tour extends to Janakpur in Nepal to visit the Ram Janki Temple, followed by southward halts at Nashik, Hampi, and Rameshwaram. The State-of-the-art train features modern amenities such as two themed restaurants, a contemporary kitchen, shower cubicles, sensor-based washrooms, and foot massagers. To ensure passenger safety, each coach is equipped with CCTV cameras and dedicated security guards.

The train offers three classes of travel — AC I, AC II, and AC III — accommodating a total of 150 tourists.

According to IRCTC, the package is priced at Rs 1,14,100 for 3 AC, Rs 1,51,225 for 2 AC, and Rs 1,64,940 for 1 AC per person. The cost is inclusive of the rail journey, three-star hotel stays, vegetarian meals, AC road transfers for sightseeing, and travel insurance.

In a move to make the pilgrimage more accessible, IRCTC has introduced a part-payment option, allowing travellers to book their spots by paying an initial 25 per cent of the total package cost. Boarding and deboarding facilities have been provided at several stations, including Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Tundla, Etawah, Kanpur, and Lucknow.