jammu, feb 27
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha Jammu, Jugal Kishore Sharma, marked a significant milestone as he flagged off the third Astha train, carrying thousands of pilgrims from Jammu to the sacred city of Ayodhya to seek darshan of Shri Ram Lalla.
In his address during the ceremony, Jugal Kishore Sharma expressed profound joy at witnessing a large number of pilgrims making their way to Ayodhya following the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla. He emphasized that the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the consecration of the idol of Shri Ram by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on 22nd January 2024 have fulfilled the dreams of millions after 500 years.
Sharma highlighted the anticipated increase in pilgrims visiting Ayodhya in the coming days and hinted at the likelihood of dispatching more trains from Jammu and Kashmir to accommodate the growing demand. As the train departed from Jammu Railway Station, echoing chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ filled the air, resonating with the profound sense of spirituality among the passengers.
Speaking against the backdrop of the flagging-off ceremony, Jugal Kishore Sharma pledged to transform Jammu Railway Station into a modern transportation hub, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. He underscored the commitment of the government towards fostering development in Jammu and Kashmir under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including former Minister Sat Sharma and senior BJP leaders Yudhvir Sethi, Aseem Gupta, Ravish Mengi, Parveen Kerni, Atul Bakshi, Rajinder Gupta, Jai Deep Samyal, Vipan Sharma, and others, who lent their support to the auspicious occasion.
The flagging off of the Astha train symbolizes the deep-rooted faith and devotion of the people towards Shri Ram and signifies a pivotal moment in the spiritual journey of pilgrims from Jammu to Ayodhya. It also underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and the promotion of religious tourism in the region, fostering a sense of unity and reverence among citizens across the nation.
The transformation of Jammu Railway Station into a modern facility aligns with the broader vision of enhancing connectivity and accessibility in the region. Sharma assured that efforts would be made to ensure that the station meets international standards, catering to the needs of both passengers and tourists.
In conclusion, the flagging off of the third Astha train not only facilitates pilgrimage but also embodies the cultural and spiritual ethos of the nation. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the people and the government’s dedication to fostering development and connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
