Modi Express bus launched in London

Posted on 15 Oct 2015 by Callum Bentley

The Modi Express bus was launched this week ahead of its month-long tour around iconic landmarks in central London.

It will also visit various community organisations across the UK, with the first stop for the bus being Ealing Road, Wembley ­- dubbed Little India – followed by Trafalgar Square to celebrate Diwali in London.

The bus launch is in tribute to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK later this year, during which he is set to attend the biggest community reception for any foreign elected leader on British soil.

More than 60,000 people will attend the reception – UKWelcomesModi – and tickets are due to be distributed by Wembley Stadium in coming weeks.

The bus launch is yet another example of the UK and India bringing people together for a positive cause.
The bus launch is yet another example of the UK and India bringing people together for a positive cause.

There has been an overwhelming response to the event that is already oversubscribed.

With over 450 community organisations joining the UKWelcomesModi as Welcome Partners, a large proportion of the 1.5m Indian diaspora will attend the event.

With 10% under the age of 16, the youngest applicant for an invitation has been two months, while the eldest is over 100 years old.

Mayuri Parmar from the organising committee commented: “We have had Chai Pe Charcha in India, now we will have Bus Pe Charcha in the UK.”

Lord Dolar Popat, who helped to inaugurate the bus during a traditional coconut-breaking ceremony, said: “This bus launch is yet another example of the UK and India bringing people together for a positive cause.

“As we look forward to Prime Minister Modi’s visit in November, I’m 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.”

The civic leaders who attended and spoke at the event included Navin Shah, member of the London Assembly, Krupa Sheth, the youngest British Indian councillor in the UK, and Krupesh Hirani.

Nitin Palan, coordinator of the Modi Express bus said: “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.”