TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 6, 2024: In a heartfelt event at Bilaspur railway station, 850 pilgrims set off for Ayodhya Dham under Chhattisgarh’s Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana. Labour and Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan, alongside Belatra MLA Shri Sushant Shukla and District Panchayat President Shri Arun Singh Chauhan, flagged off the train amid festive celebrations. The scheme, launched by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, has enabled senior citizens to undertake a pilgrimage many described as a “dream come true.”
The pilgrims, greeted with traditional music and dance, embarked on their journey singing devotional hymns. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Sai, they noted that this government-supported pilgrimage has given them the privilege of visiting Ayodhya Dham, with a stop at Kashi Vishwanath included. Many shared that the scheme allows elderly citizens, often restricted by financial means, the chance to fulfill their spiritual aspirations. “The Chief Minister has truly delivered on his promise,” several devotees said, calling the journey a blessing.
The group includes notable participants from Korba and Bilaspur districts, such as Shri Hari Prasad Maitre, Shri Manmohan Sahu, Shri Banwari Patel, and Mrs. Usha Vajpayee, all of whom praised the government’s initiative as an act of devotion and service. Under the scheme, pilgrims are provided with a comprehensive travel package, covering transport, accommodations, temple visits, meals, and refreshments. The train is equipped with tour escorts, security, and medical staff to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Bilaspur District alone contributed 225 passengers to the pilgrimage. Present at the event were Municipal Commissioner Shri Amit Kumar, District Panchayat CEO Shri R.P. Chauhan, SDM Shri Piyush Tiwari, Shri Ramdev Kumavat, and other officials and public representatives, who joined to witness the journey’s commencement.