Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced the launch of ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’, launched the Bharat Gaurav scheme, its third segment for tourism after goods and passenger trains.
As Indian Railways gears up for Bharat Gaurav trains, here are five points about the mission.
The Railway Minister said that Bharat Gaurav trains will be run by both the private sector and IRCTC in themed circuits.
Around 180 trains have been allocated and 3,033 coaches have been identified for Bharat Gaurav Mission.
Vaishnav announced that the main objective of Bharat Gaurav trains is to promote tourism and it will have many aspects.
Bharat Gaurav will be a brand new section of Indian Railways
Anyone, tour operator, etc., can apply for and lease and operate the trains. Also the tour operators will decide on the rates.
Application process for lease of trains will start from November 23
The announcement came after the Center on Tuesday withdrew saffron uniforms for employees aboard the Ramayana Express, following objections from some quarters.
Regarding the controversy, Vaishnav said that he has taken lessons from the episodes and will consciously adopt designs, food, costumes and other things in future.
The Union Railway Minister announced the launch of Bharat Gaurav Trains, the theme based tourist circuit trains.
Ashwini Vaishnav on Tuesday announced the launch of the theme based tourist circuit train Bharat Gaurav Train. Speaking to the media at a press conference, he said that these trains will help in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world.
He further added that the core strength of tourism sector professionals would be utilized to develop/identify tourist circuits and run theme-based trains to tap India’s vast tourism potential. The Ministry of Railways said in its official release, the service providers will be free to decide on topics such as Guru Kripa trains to cover important places of Sikh culture, Ramayana trains for places associated with Lord Shri Ram, etc.
In addition, this service provider will provide all inclusive packages to the tourists including rail travel, hotel accommodation, sightseeing arrangements, historical/heritage sites tour, tour guide etc.
Complete flexibility is being offered to decide the cost of the package based on the level of services. Customer friendly selection of coaches, different segments like luxury, budget etc. Free to design/furnish the interiors of the themed coaches.
Branding and advertising is permitted both inside and outside the train. Train composition will be of 14 to 20 coaches including 2 SLRs (Guard Vans). Customer Support Units will be made functional in the area to take over the service provider’s hand and for smooth implementation of the scheme.