PM Modi To Flag Off Pravasi Bharatiya Express: A 3-Week Tour For Indian Diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express on Wednesday, a special tourist train designed exclusively for the Indian diaspora.

The launch will take place at New Delhi's Safdarjung railway station and marks the beginning of a three-week journey across India.

A Symbolic Launch on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The launch of this special train coincides with the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, which will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This convention aims to highlight Odisha's rich culture and heritage to the non-resident Indians (NRIs) attending from over 50 countries. In his address, Prime Minister Modi will underscore the importance of the Indian diaspora, who serve as a "living bridge" connecting India with the rest of the world.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Express

The Pravasi Bharatiya Express is a state-of-the-art, specially designed train catering to NRIs aged between 45 and 65 years. This exclusive train will embark on a scenic journey, covering prominent tourist and religious destinations across India over three weeks. Some of the key stops on the itinerary include Ayodhya, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Mahabalipuram, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kochi, Goa, Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Ajmer, Pushkar, and Agra.

The date of the train's launch, January 9, holds historical significance as it marks the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa in 1915. The train can accommodate 156 passengers and will be operated under the Ministry of External Affairs' "Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana" (PTDY) scheme, in collaboration with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

Strengthening Ties with the Indian Diaspora

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention also emphasizes the vital role of the Indian diaspora in contributing to India's growth. Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, noted that the Indian diaspora, which stands at 35.4 million, is one of India's greatest strengths.

He highlighted that the diaspora is one of the largest sources of remittances globally and plays an essential role in fostering cultural and economic ties. During the convention, five thematic plenary sessions will address topics such as diaspora youth leadership, migrant skills, sustainable development contributions, women's leadership, and stories of cultural connection and belonging.

Security Arrangements for the Convention

Ahead of the convention, security arrangements in Bhubaneswar have been tightened, with around 2,700 police personnel and 1,200 central forces deployed for security and traffic management. The last Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

This special train journey and the convention reflect India's ongoing efforts to engage its vast diaspora, showcasing the country's cultural heritage while reinforcing its global connections.