Pravasi Bharatiya Express: Connecting the Indian Diaspora with Cultural Roots

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a luxurious tourist train tailored for the Indian diaspora, on January 9, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The launch commemorates the 110th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on this historic date in 1915.

Developed under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY), the train offers a fully sponsored tour designed to reconnect Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with India’s cultural and religious heritage.

Highlights of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express

Launch Date: January 9, 2025
Inaugurated By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Objective: To strengthen ties between the Indian diaspora and their cultural and religious roots
Initiative By: Ministry of External Affairs, in partnership with IRCTC

Eligibility for Travelers

Open exclusively to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) aged 45-65 years.
Priority is given to PIOs from low-income backgrounds who may not otherwise afford a visit to India.

Government Support for Travelers

The Indian government will cover all expenses for the train tour.
Additionally, it will subsidize 90% of the return airfare from the PIOs’ country of origin to India, requiring travelers to pay only 10%.

Tour Details

Duration: 14 nights and 15 days (a total of 17 days, including pre-and post-tour stays).
Starting Point: Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station.
Tour Scope: A fully guided journey across multiple culturally and religiously significant destinations in India.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Express is a tribute to the Indian diaspora, offering them a unique opportunity to explore their ancestral homeland and strengthen their connection with India’s rich heritage.

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