In a gesture of reverence and solidarity, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh personally greeted and welcomed devotees arriving in the Special “Aastha” Train from Katra-Vaishnodevi, who reached the holy city this morning to offer prayers at the newly constructed Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
The inaugural Special Train of pilgrims from Katra arrived in Ayodhya, carrying devotees predominantly from Udhampur, Reasi, and Jammu districts. This marks the initiation of the special “Aastha” trains originating from Katra station, facilitated by the Northern Railways to streamline this sacred pilgrimage.
“Aastha Specials” trains, each comprising 22 coaches, have been introduced by the Indian Railways, connecting 66 locations nationwide, facilitating pilgrimage to Ayodhya following the historic inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, expressed his pleasure to accompany the devotees to offer prayers at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, it is a divine coincidence that we have been able to connect the holy cities of Katra-Vaishnodevi and Ayodhya because of Ram Lalla.”
Reflecting on PM Modi’s special connection with the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled PM Modi’s visit to the shrine both before his nomination as the Prime Ministerial candidate in 2014 and after being sworn in as Prime Minister.
He highlighted PM Modi’s initiatives to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in the region, including the inauguration of the Katra-Vaishno Devi Railway Station and the conversion of Katra Railway Station to solar-power, among others.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the significant development projects initiated by PM Modi for Katra-Vaishno Devi, including the Express road corridor from New Delhi and inclusion in the PRASHAD scheme, which focuses on pilgrimage rejuvenation and spiritual heritage augmentation.
As devotees embark on their journey to Ayodhya, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that they carry not only their own prayers but also the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, symbolizing the spiritual interconnectedness of these sacred sites.