MOT and IRCTC deliberate the way forward for the promotion of Buddhist Tourism in India
In its efforts to revive tourism, the MoT (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India) together with IRCTC, organised a train familiarisation trip combined with a series of conferences on the Buddhist Circuit. The aim was to bring to light the potential of this popular destination in the religious tourism segment. Buddhist Tourism is one of the prime focused tourism products that India has to offer from its cart of diverse tourism products both in the domestic and overseas markets. Post witnessing a vast improvement in the Covid situation in India, MoT has initiated promoting this aspect of religious tourism looking forward to keen participation from the industry stakeholders.
To jumpstart the revival of the Buddhist Circuit, a Train FAM Tour and series of Conferences were organised from October 4 to October 8, 2021, by the Ministry of Tourism Government of India. The idea was to showcase some of the prominent Buddhist sites to the invited inbound and domestic tour operators and a few selected media houses. Along with the FAM tour, a series of conferences at Bodh Gaya and Varanasi were also organised. The Bodhgaya event was attended by nearly 100 plus delegates. The prominent speakers were G.K.V. Rao, DDG Tourism, MoT & DM of Bodh Gaya. Presentations were given by BSTDC and Dr. Achyut Singh, Joint General Manager, IRCTC. Rahul Chakraborty, COO, IATO also gave a presentation. The focus of the presentations was how to improve the visitors to the circuit.
After the conference on October 5, the delegates were taken by luxury coaches to Bodh Gaya for the Darshan, followed by a dinner that was hosted at Mahabodhi Hotel, Gaya. On the early morning of October 6, delegates packed their respective luggage and left for the site visit to Rajgir and Nalanda. En route to Rajgir, a short break was devoted to visiting the statue of Dashrath Manjhi, popularly known as the Parvat Purush. The story of Dashrath Manjhi was so inspiring that it came out as a movie and was released in Indian cinemas some years ago, titled Manjhi–The Mountain
Man, which was indeed a well-directed reflection of his life. Delegates boarded the special train and reached Varanasi later in the night.
The conference at Varanasi held at the Taj on October 7 turned out to be groundbreaking. Over 150 tourism professionals attended the conference. Speakers like Arvind Kumar, Secretary Tourism, MOT, GOI and Neelkanth Tiwari, MOT, Uttar Pradesh, were the main speakers. They elaborated on the key issues with regard to the development and promotion of tourism in the circuit. The Honourable Tourism Minister of Uttar Pradesh stole the show with his remarkable speech. He emphasised on the overall development of UP tourism products, particularly with the development of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. The event was indeed a grand success!
Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Tourism Ministry has sanctioned five projects of `325.53 crore for Buddhist circuit development in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. Achyut Singh Joint General Manager (Tourism & Marketing) IRCTC
Singh said, “With a view to heighten our offerings, in the financial year 2018-19, a brand new state-of-the-art ‘Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train’ was envisioned. This AC Deluxe Tourist Train has a host of astounding features, including two fine dining restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicles in coaches, sensor-based washroom functions, and foot massagers. This fully air-conditioned train provides two types of accommodation viz. first and second AC. On this train, IRCTC has deployed private Security Guards and CCTV cameras for enhanced security.”
Singh further added, “This Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is one of the key tourism products for both IRCTC and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. In order to showcase such a valuable tourism product, MoT in association with IRCTC has organised this FAM tour for Inbound and domestic agents especially in association with IATO and ADTOI. Interested agents can enter into an agreement with IRCTC for sales, promotion, and booking of the ‘Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train’. Two types of agent agreements are done: PSA (Preferred Sales Agent) and TA (Travel Associate). All agents who have signed the agreement with IRCTC can book the ‘Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train’ packages and avail a commission.”
The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train will be operational from the month of October to March. The total capacity of the train is 156 guests, with four First AC coaches that accommodate 96 guests and two Second AC coaches that accommodate 60 guests.
Singh further added, “This Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is one of the key tourism products for both IRCTC and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. In order to showcase such a valuable tourism product, MoT in association with IRCTC, has organised this FAM tour for Inbound and domestic agents, especially in association with IATO and ADTOI. Interested agents can enter into an agreement with IRCTC for sales, promotion, and booking of the ‘Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train’. Two types of agent agreements are done: PSA (Preferred Sales Agent) and TA (Travel Associate). All agents who have signed the agreement with IRCTC can book the ‘Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train’ packages and avail a commission.”
Sunil Mishra Director, Cosmos Tours & Travels
The overall experience was rejuvenating. It was a drive to promote the Buddhist Circuit as a team that comprised the Government and the stakeholders. The ideation was well crafted and we expect a positive outcome. The food on the train was a gourmet delight and the entire environment made the appeal go miles. Kudos to the chef and the service team for delivering such an amazing experience.
A suggestion was put forward that ‘Hot Water Dispensers’ can be put in each compartment along with tea/ coffee,
sugar sachets so that self-service can be availed any time. It will be especially useful for foreign tourists who are used to such facilitation.
My view on the conferences in Gaya and Varanasi is that they were extremely meaningful. The facilitation offered by DM Gaya, the address by DG Tourism and IRCTC appealed to the stakeholders and opened emerging vistas. At Varanasi, the Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Uttar Pradesh gave us spiritual insight in a befitting manner. The Secretary Tourism, Government of India, spoke from the operational point of view. Other points that emerged from the authorities on the dais were very informative and carried a strong message.
The scope for this market is immense for the agent community. The two lakh tourists per year in 2019 can go up to four lakhs in 2022, once we open up new routes and places as deliberated. Midway facilities like Bodhgaya–Rajgir or Lucknow–Varanasi, is a point that needs to be addressed by the authorities at the earliest.
Some focus points to market the Buddhist Circuit packages could be tieing up with tourism associations such as IATO with a special offer so that the awareness can reach a vast number of trade members. This indeed is the right time as borders are opening up and the trade demands and welcomes new opportunities.
Secondly, transport or connection to places such as Aurangabad or Vaishali should be provided so that tourist traffic keeps generating both before and after the pilgrim season. This will increase the duration, price tags and overall investment but is certainly worth a thought as it will reap major benefits in the long run.
The third addition can be to arrange familiarisation trips, inviting leading foreign tour operators from the major source markets. Also, this segment of tourism needs increased participation in international and domestic travel marts.
Last but not the least, we need to have increased involvement from the interested agents. They should be made an integral part of the Buddhist Tourism Conclaves, which in turn, may help to promote the circuit.
Manoj Kumar Matta Director, Oriental Vacations and Journeys
It was probably after 24 years when I got the opportunity of an overnight train journey and that too a luxury train! It was a ‘Red Carpet’ welcome at the Safdarjung Railway Station with all COVID protocols being followed. The welcome ‘tika’, welcome drink, classical instrumental music, etc, were quite memorable gestures. As there were a few changes that took place a day before, the same was not conveyed by the IRCTC team while allocating the coach and berth numbers, and thus better coordination is required for a smooth check-in process.
The train was comfortable with four berths and two berths coupe, though most of my friends found that apt for group travel, it’s better to be in a second AC which gives you the feeling of traveling together as there is enough open space and seating area. Locker with each berth was unique and necessary for such travel. Two bogies in the train have been converted into restaurant/dining space, having sixty-four covers each, and one bogie was converted into the kitchen. The food served was freshly prepared and had ample variety, be it Indian, Chinese, or Continental. However, yogurt served on one of the days was not worth eating and the same was brought to the knowledge of staff who changed the same immediately.
There were two showers and toilets each in each compartment, however, these should be increased as queues were seen in the morning hours. On our return journey, one of the showers and toilets had no water, the same should have been checked
and refilled on the way, but the staff didn’t pay much heed to it despite informing them on this.
Hotels offered both in Bodhgaya and Varanasi were good and comfortable. Ideally, mini buses / Innova would have been used in Bodhgaya instead of a large coach, considering the huge traffic in town. While preparing the itinerary, it appeared, the authorities didn’t realise that on the day of the Rajgir and Nalanda excursion, it was an auspicious day when thousands of devotees come to Bodhgaya and roads are hence blocked or crowded. This is poor planning which caused the unnecessary delay thus we didn’t have sufficient time to visit the places, the purpose defeated!
One should understand the value of time and be punctual as the timings were not adhered to during both the conferences. Moreover, the speakers should know who their audience is and thus only the information related to us (tour operators) should have been shared instead of letting the delegates know whatever they knew or had compiled!
Having said this, there were several lacunas and we need to improve the same because this special train has also been offered to our Japanese or a few European guests. They might have sued by now as they are very much punctual. We shall have to bring punctuality into our blood and shall have to ensure that the itinerary goes as promised. The fairs, festivals, important events, etc. must be considered before announcing any departure. IRCTC must ensure enough supply of water in toilets and showers and, as and when possible, should also have another set of toilets and showers ready. The train and the sector covered have enough potential, not only in Buddhist pilgrims, but even otherwise. IRCTC should also include a Heritage Walk in Bodhgaya and Varanasi within the itinerary. As the Buddhist population is primarily concentrated in Asian Region, we must focus on this market. Renowned monks must be involved in this train journey to make it a complete spiritual sojourn. In fact, monks are the ones who can generate enough business on their own for this train. To optimise the usage of the train during night halts, IRCTC can use it for hosting lunch or dinner for the groups staying at the train halt destinations. It can even be promoted for certain pre-wedding functions, as it will act as a catalyst and few potential guests will get firsthand experience by way of just dining on the train.
If possible, IRCTC can explore the option of liquor on demand during the journey (the stuff can be removed before entering Bihar and can be stocked again from there on the return leg), this will ensure additional revenue for IRCTC as well beside facilities onboard for guests. Overall, it was an unforgettable journey and I wish I was given the option to explore the entire 8 days itinerary!
Anil K Rajput Managing Director, Promark Travel Services
The trip covered Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi, and Sarnath, which in my view is an enriching Buddhist circuit experience. The hotels and transport used are good, however, the guide and tour escorts need to be trained. My main aim was to have experience of luxury of train travel in first class and second class, however, the entire train is airconditioned. The kitchen serving hot, freshly prepared meals served in two dining cars was excellent enough. There are hygienic toilets, showers, foot massagers and a small library for tourists to use. Bed and afternoon tea are also served in cabins.
The train is exclusively reserved for tourists and no one is allowed to board on the way as there are security guards onboard which is quite comforting. The train originally was conceived keeping in mind the foreign tourists and, with Delhi, the start and endpoint. However, if this train is to be used for domestic tourists, then it should start from the nearest point where we have more of a Buddhist population. Examples are two-three cities or towns in the North East which will not only cater to Sikkim and Arunachal but also pilgrims from Bhutan and Myanmar may be able to join. Jammu/Delhi is viable for tourists from Ladakh and Himachal and also ideal for tourists from Western/Eastern countries coming down to the capital. Mumbai is a good place for Maharashtrabased Buddhist pilgrims and to connect with pilgrims from Western / Eastern countries while Chennai is a good base for pilgrims coming in from Sri Lanka. Also, keeping in mind the Indian tourist point of view, the cost has to be reduced.
Lajpat Rai CMD, Lotus Trans Travel
The efforts put in by IRCTC and the Ministry of Tourism are commendable. They did their best to make our journey most comfortable and memorable and took special care. In my opinion, the ‘On Board’ services were really remarkable, be it cleanliness, hygiene, food quality and the service. However, the ‘Off Board’ service and planning of the itinerary to showcase the pilgrimage sites/ monuments and the developments taking place in this sector were not up to the mark.
I feel the train has tremendous scope. My suggestion is that The IRCTC should think about the ‘Dynamic Pricing’ for this train to attract the price-conscious pilgrimage tourists starting by announcing the lowest possible pricing.