The Pravasi Bharatiya Express: A Present for the Indian Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a unique, cutting-edge tourist train for the Indian diaspora, from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 9, 2025. On this date in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, and the launch marks the 110th anniversary of that event. By providing a fully sponsored tour throughout the nation, the train, which was created under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY), seeks to introduce Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to India's rich cultural and religious legacy.

Pravasi Bharatiya Express's salient features

• Date of Launch: January 9, 2025
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged it off.
• Restoring Indian diaspora ties to their cultural and religious heritage is the goal.
• Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with IRCTC under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY).

Traveler Eligibility Requirements

• This train is only available to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) between the ages of 45 and 65.
• PIOs from low-income groups who otherwise couldn't afford to travel to India are given preference.

Government Assistance for Passengers

• All costs associated with the train tour will be covered by the Indian government.
• Additionally, 90% of the return airfare from the PIOs' home country to India will be paid for by the government.
• Only 10% of the return airfare will be required of PIOs.

Details of the Express

• Tour's Journey 14 nights and 15 days (a total of 17 days, including the time before and after the tour)
• Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station is the departure station.

Tour Type: Completely organized tour of several Indian locations with religious and cultural significance.