President Droupadi Murmu will reach Vrindavan by Maharaja Express. The trip includes prayers at Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Nidhivan, and Kubja Krishna Temple. Strict security arrangements have been made in the district.
NEW DELHI. President Droupadi Murmu will arrive in Vrindavan on Thursday by Maharaja Express. Indian Railways will transport President Murmu from New Delhi's Safdarjung Railway Station to Vrindavan Road Station, near Mathura. The Maharaja Express is considered one of the most splendid and luxurious trains in the world and is operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) primarily for high-end tourists during winters.
Train Structure and Engine Arrangement
A railway official stated that out of the 18 coaches, 12 will belong to the Maharaja Express. These coaches will include a Presidential Suite, Deluxe Suites, restaurants, lounges, and a power car for the President and her staff. Additionally, two standard AC coaches will be reserved for senior railway personnel.
The official also mentioned that two engines would be attached to this special train for safe and uninterrupted services. One engine will be active for operation, while the second will be on standby to address any technical issues.
Travel Time and Route
Sources reported that the train will depart from Safdarjung Station around 8 AM and arrive at Vrindavan Road Station at approximately 10 AM. The President's office stated that during her visit, President Murmu will offer prayers at Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Nidhivan, and Kubja Krishna Temple in Vrindavan.
Additionally, the President will visit Sudama Kuti and offer prayers at Shri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura. An official informed that Shri Krishna Janmasthan is located near Mathura Junction, so the President will board the special train from there for her return journey in the evening.
Travel Between Two Different Railway Zones
Railway sources indicated that both the originating and destination stations fall under two different railway zones: Northern Railway and North Central Railway. Both zones have been instructed to establish close coordination to ensure smooth and safe operations.
Necessary instructions have been issued to senior railway officials, station masters, personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Government Railway Police (GRP) to ensure their presence during scheduled duty hours along the entire route.
President Murmu had previously traveled by special train in June 2023 when she visited her hometown Rairangpur in Odisha from Bhubaneswar.
Security Arrangements in Mathura and Vrindavan
Regarding the President's visit, the district administration has made extremely stringent security arrangements. Officials reported that police personnel have been deployed at every corner. Entry to most routes in the city has been restricted.
Furthermore, all schools from Class 1 to 12 in Mathura and Vrindavan have been declared closed. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar stated that in addition to 4000 personnel and officers of the state police, approximately 1000 personnel from eight companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed.
President's Schedule and Welcome
Officials and security personnel from central security agencies in Delhi are also playing their respective roles. Every inch of the area, from the President's arrival to the event venues, will be monitored.
According to official sources, since this is a private religious trip for the President, State Cabinet Minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan will welcome the President instead of the Chief Minister. He will be present at Vrindavan Road Station in the morning along with officials to extend the welcome.
During the President's visit, special deployment of security forces will be maintained on all incoming and outgoing routes, and all activities will be closely monitored.