'Like Travelling in Modern-Day Pushpak Vimaan': Ayodhya-Bound Vande Bharat Wins Praise from Devotees

Some called it a modern-day ‘Pushpak Vimaan’, others hailed it as a blessing in disguise for those residing in Delhi-NCR while many praised the “unique timing” — Ayodhya-bound Vande Bharat Express has managed to impress every section of devotees.

News18 travelled from Lucknow to Ayodhya, covering 128 kilometres, to find out what devotees feel about the newly launched semi high-speed train.

“Modi-ji aur Yogi-ji ko shat shat naman. I am really thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-ji and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-ji as it is purely because of them that we are able to embark upon this journey to Ayodhya so comfortably. It seems as if we are traveling in a ‘Pushpak Vimaan’. The first thing we will do after reaching Ayodhya is offer prayers for the longevity of both the leaders,” said Shiv Kumar Pandey, who boarded the train from Kanpur.

Pandey, who was traveling with his wife Sundri, said Vande Bharat had curtailed the journey time to just 3 hours 20 minutes from Kanpur to Ayodhya which was a blessing for the elderly. “I am thankful to our leaders for making this day possible in our life. We are delighted,” said the retired government official.

Parul Sachdeva, an IT professional who hails from Delhi, said the train service is a ‘blessing in disguise’ for those residing in Delhi-NCR and other cities.

“Until now, there was no such premium direct train service to Ayodhya. We thank Railways for starting such a premium train service. We have planned a trip to Ayodhya during my son’s winter vacations. It gave us a hassle-free traveling experience,” said Parul, who was traveling with his son Arav and wife Lipika.

Another couple from UP’s Kannauj area, who were on their maiden trip to Ayodhya, said they hadn’t experienced such a premium journey before.

“What makes the trip to Ayodhya even more favourable is the train’s unique timing. Vande Bharat reaches Ayodhya at around 2.30pm. It gives enough time to tourists to utilise the rest of the day and they can plan their return journey a day after. In such a way, one has enough time to cover majority of places in Ayodhya,” said Amar Diwedi.

Passengers said premium services like Vande Bharat would not only facilitate them but will also boost tourism in Ayodhya.

Officials with Northern Railways (NR) Lucknow Division said the train, originating from Ayodhya, is running almost packed. “In the two days of its operation, of 476, the occupancy from Ayodhya Cantt in Chair Car was 445 and Executive Class (EC) occupancy was 48 on the first day of its run. Whereas on Friday, against 477, the occupancy in CC was 434 and out of 52, the occupancy in EE was 48,” a senior official with Lucknow Division NR said.

On December 30 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express from Ayodhya Cantt to Anand Vihar Terminal. The inauguration took place at the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, emphasising its pivotal role ahead of the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple scheduled on January 22, 2024.

The 22426 Ayodhya-Anand Vihar Vande Bharat Express departs from Anand Vihar terminal at 6.10am and reaches Ayodhya Cantt at 2.30pm, with stops at Kanpur Central and Lucknow. The 22425 Anand Vihar-Ayodhya Vande Bharat Express is scheduled to depart from Ayodhya Cantt at 3.20pm, arriving at Anand Vihar Terminal at 11.40pm with an 8 hours and 20 minutes travel time. Barring Wednesdays, the train is scheduled to operate six days a week.