The Indian community in the United Kingdom launched a 'Modi Express' bus that will take the travellers on a tour around iconic landmarks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden visit to the country in November.
Over 400 community organisations have come together to launch the 'Modi Express' for 'Bus Pe Charcha' in London. "We have had 'Chai Pe Charcha' in India, now we will have 'Bus Pe Charcha' in the UK," the 'UK Welcomes Modi' organising committee's Mayuri Parmar said, PTI reported.
The bus, which started its journey on Sunday, stopped at Ealing Road or 'Little India street' in Wembley where the Indian community is planning to host an Olympics style reception for Modi during his visit next month.
The 'Modi Express' bus will then head to Trafalgar Square to celebrate Diwali with the Indian Prime Minister. Modi is expected to address the Indian community at Wembley Stadium on 13 November -- the day of Diwali celebrations.
Indian-origin Parliamentarian Keith Vaz also urged people to join him in the tour on 'Modi Express' bus from Leicester. "Even if you've left your oyster cards at home, be sure to bring your 'Modi cards' to join the 'Modi Express' wherever you are," he said.
The Indian-origin community in the UK are excitedly looking forward to Modi's visit as the British Asian businessman and politician called the event "Modi Mania in the UK".
"As we look forward to Prime Minister Modi's visit in November, I am so encouraged to see members from across our communities coming together and supporting one another. I hope many of you get the chance to support and participate in what is looking to be Modi Mania in the UK," Popat, who is a Gujarati, said.
More than 60,000 people will attend the 'UK Welcomes Modi' reception. People from across 250 cities and towns in London have applied for an invitation to the reception. People can take the tour on the 'Modi Express' bus once the tickets are available online from next week.
"Our website will be going live next week. You will be able to book 'Modi Express' bus tickets to attend the event from all over the country," coordinator of the 'Modi Express' bus Nitin Palan said.
