In a bid to encourage both tourism and self-sufficiency, IRCTC is planning to launch new trains. These special Bharat Gaurav Yatra Trains are being designed and manufactured in India. To mark the beginning of this project, five such trains will be launched initially.
The Bharat Gaurav Yatra trains are being manufactured at the coach factory in Raebareli. The coaches are specially designed keeping in mind the convenience of the pilgrims. They are spacious enough to hold Bhajan, Kirtan and even host Langar inside the coaches. And the initial target is to conduct two trips every month.
The chief regional manager of IRCTC, Ajit Kumar Sinha mentioned that five new trains with fourteen coaches each are being manufactured. Also, he mentioned that this is a dream project of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
He also mentioned that the first rake of the new tourist trains will be ready by the 25th of March. Trial runs for the same are dated for the 1st of April. Also trial run for the first Bharat Gaurav Yatra will be done on the Amritsar route with a new train on the 5th of April.
This new scheme under the Indian Railways aims to operate on the concept of theme-based circuits. Apart from running on fixed routes, these trips will be created in the form of tour packages. Also the package will include several supplementary services like accommodation and travel insurance. Other services like off-board travels, excursions, guided tours and meals are also included in the package.
Key facilities onboard Bharat Gaurav Yatra Trains
- The tourists will have three options to choose from onboard these trains : sleeper, 2 AC and premium.
- 1000 devotees will be able to travel per trip of the train.
- Each coach will be equipped with three western and one Indian style toilets.
- All food will be cooked in a pantry car that travels along.
- All types of mobile chargers will be available for the tourists.
