The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has directed all buses travelling to and from Ayodhya to play a selection of Ram bhajans (devotional songs) in anticipation of the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir scheduled for January 22.
Ajit Singh, the PRO (Public Relations Officer) for UPSRTC, said, “Nearly 1,500 buses passing through Ayodhya are being equipped with public address systems. These systems will broadcast devotional music continuously until January 22.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a recent meeting, directed the organisation of programs such as bhajans, recitation of the Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas, and Sundarkand in the temples of Ayodhya from January 14 onwards. As a result, the Transport Department has crafted an action plan for January 22, ensuring cleanliness in all vehicles and bus stations. Moreover, the public address systems in buses will be utilized to broadcast popular Ram Bhajans, inspiring travellers with the life and teachings of Lord Ram.
The press release stated, “The broadcasting will include various artists’ renditions of popular devotional songs related to Lord Ram, in addition to bhajans and hymns that are popular among people today as well as devotional songs sung by local singers.”
“In addition, interceptor vehicles will be deployed on all routes within a 200-kilometer radius of Ayodhya to assist tourists, and transport teams will be vigilant about issues related to road safety such as overloading, drunken driving, wrong-side driving, overcharging, adherence to the dress code for drivers, and implementing other safety measures as needed,” the press release said.
This marks the first instance where devotional songs will be officially played on state buses.