A direct flight service between Ahmedabad and Keshod (Junagadh district) was launched on Tuesday to facilitate pilgrims visiting the Somnath temple in Gujarat, officials said.
This initiative is part of the state government's ongoing efforts to promote tourism, they added. The Somnath Trust has also started a pickup service from Keshod airport for pilgrims travelling to the Somnath temple. "The best initiative has been the reduction of travel time from Ahmedabad to Somnath, which used to take 8 hours but is now just 2 hours. Additionally, the air-conditioned bus service from Keshod airport is excellent, especially for elderly people and children," Kaushal Kapasi, a passenger, said while praising the service. Another passenger, Jagriti Kapasi, added, "I have come from Ahmedabad. Especially during the Diwali festival, the first flight from Ahmedabad to Somnath has started, and we have benefitted from it. The special thing is that the Somnath Trust has provided us with air-conditioned bus facilities. I urge all travellers to know that they can reach Somnath to pay their respects in just 2 hours from Ahmedabad." The Somnath Trust provides free pickup services for travellers arriving on both the new Ahmedabad-Keshod and existing Mumbai-Keshod flights. Vijay Singh Chavda, General Manager of the Shri Somnath Trust, said that the bus service is free of charge. "We have started an air-conditioned bus service to pick up passengers arriving on this flight from Keshod to Somnath. This facility is provided free of charge for people coming from both Ahmedabad and Mumbai flights to Keshod. The Trust offers many amenities for pilgrims, and this free bus service is an additional benefit," Chavda told ANI. These enhancements make visiting Somnath Dham more convenient and enjoyable, demonstrating the commitment of the Gujarat government and the Somnath Trust to provide the best experience for devotees. (ANI)
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