Prabhu assures saints of running Rishikesh to Ganga Sagar train

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, April 7

Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu today assured a delegation of saints, local residents and pilgrims of running a special train from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand till Ganga Sagar in West Bengal to connect the two Ganga cities.

A suggestion in this regard was given to Suresh Prabhu here today at Rishikesh by Parmarth Niketan Ashram spiritual ideologue Swami Chidanand Muniji Maharaj, who pointed that Ganga flows into the plain region in Rishikesh from pious Gaumukh, Gangotri in Garhwal Himalayas and then flows till Ganga Sagar in West Bengal.

“The Ganga is regarded as mother in Indian civilisation and worshipped in deity form. So it will be apt to have a special holy Ganges focus train that connects these two holy places with the train can be named Jai Gangey Express,” said Swami Chidanand.

The revered saint also suggested to Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu that Parmarth Niketan Ashram is ready to adopt this train, modelling it on pro-environment pattern.

“Besides facilitating passengers we want to introduce this train with a social message. The message of cleaning the Ganga and saving the environment can also be given through this proposed train. The minister has shown interest in this idea, assuring holding talks on the issue with concerned officials to ensure in the future whenever new trains are announced. This project will be one of them,” said Dr Ram Mahesh Mishra, spokesperson for the Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

Earlier Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu along with his wife took part in the famous the Ganga aarti at the Parmarth Niketan Ganga ghat.

Prabhu also met Swami Chidanandji at his ashram, seeking blessings and discussed various local, social and spiritual aspects.

General Manager, Northern Railways, Ajay Kumar, Inspector General, Railway Protection Force, Haranand, IRCTC Chief Managing Director AK Manocha were also present on the occasion.