Other countries too have similar themed-trains. These are to be called the Gurukripa trains. The Railways is also planning a gurdwara train circuit, which will connect the prominent gurdwaras across the country. The fares include the cost of food and other services. The special train has a fare of Rs 1,02,095 per passenger for AC first class and Rs 82,950 for AC second class. The IRCTC is already running the Ramayana train circuit, which takes passengers to visit important places related to the life of Lord Ram like Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Sitamarhi, in a span of 17 days. So far, some state governments including Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments have shown interest in these Bharat Gaurav trains. These trains would not run on fixed timetables and the fare of these trains would be practically decided by tour operators but the railways will ensure that there is no abnormality in the prices. The arrangement can be for two to 10 years. He stated that individuals to societies, tour operators and even state governments could apply to take these trains and run them on a special circuit based on a theme.Īnd the process for applying for such a train is simple: Register online with a one-time fee of Rs 1 lakh.Īccording to an Indian Express report, the parameters of the scheme are that the operator has to offer sightseeing, food, local transport (taxi etc), hotels at stopover places, onboard entertainment and such things. Railway Minister Shri announces introduction of ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’īharat Gaurav Trains to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to people of India and world /IM6zVCi4OW Vaishnaw said these trains could be run both by the private sector as well as the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. The purpose of the train service is to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and history to the world.

Here’s all we know about these trains and how they will boost tourism in the country.Ī total of 190 trains or 3,033 coaches have been identified for the Bharat Gaurav trains. The minister, addressing a press conference, also said that the idea of running Bharat Gaurav trains originated from Prime Minister Narendra Modi who recommended theme-based train services so that people in India can understand, appreciate as well as take forward the country’s heritage. After freight and passenger segments, the railways is set to begin a third segment dedicated to the tourism sector and launch a set of around 190 theme-based trains called Bharat Gaurav trains, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Tuesday.

Ramayan 2012