Though the Indian Railway, Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) announced to run Astha special trains from Bhopal to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, but particular person would not be allowed to book his or her berth in the train while group of at least 15 people can avail the facility. In first phase of providing pilgrimage special train to Ayodhya, IRCTC making booking for the seats through political parties or any social organisation. Payment of the group ticket will be made by the concern organisation or party. Passengers will be allowed to travel the train through the travel id of particular group of organisation. IRCTC is running three pair of trains from Bhopal and total 18 trains from all the three divisions, including Bhopal, Jabalpur and Kota, for Ayodhya Dham. All these trains will be running by IRCTC. However, final fare and schedule of the train is yet to be decided, officials have proposed to fix the price for sleeper as Rs 1,500 per person and AC Rs 2,500 per person.

 

The proposal includes train 01631 to be departed on Februaryb 16, at 4:10 in the evening and arrival next day at 2:10 hours. Train 02125 is expected to depart Bhopal station on February 3 and 17 at 9:40 hours and arriving next day at 12:55 hours. In return, train 01631 will be departing Ayodhya Dam on February 17 at 8:20 hours and arriving Bhopal at 1:20 hours. Train 02125 is expected to depart Ayodhya Dham on February 5 and 19 at 9:20 hours and arriving Bhopal at 12:20 hours. Subedar Singh, Public Relations Officer, said, Astha special train will be running by IRCTC under special package with group booking only.