Pravasi Bharatiya Express: Reconnecting Indian Diaspora with Heritage
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Launch of Pravasi Bharatiya Express |
| Date | January 9, 2025 |
| Flagged Off By | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Launch Location | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| Purpose | To reconnect Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with India's cultural and religious heritage |
| Organized Under | Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY) |
| Eligibility | PIOs aged 45-65; preference given to low-income individuals |
| Government Support | Covers all train expenses and 90% of return airfare |
| Tour Duration | 14 nights and 15 days (total 17 days including pre/post-tour stay) |
| Departure Station | Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station |
| Destinations Covered | Delhi, Ayodhya, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Mahabalipuram, Rameshwaram, Madurai, Cochin, Goa, Ekta Nagar, Ajmer, Pushkar, Agra |
| Key Attractions | Religious, cultural, and iconic landmarks across India |
| Total Passengers | 156 |
| Key Feature | Fully sponsored tour exclusively for PIOs |