‘Bharat Gaurav’ train begins journey
The first tourist train to connect India and Nepal was flagged off by Union ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Ashwini Vaishnaw recently. The Ministry of Tourism, in association with the IRCTC and Ministry of Railways, also plans Bharat Gaurav tourist trains to Krishna Circuit, Buddhist Circuit and many other such circuits.
G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and DONER, along with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, flagged off the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on 21 June.
It is the first tourist train to connect India and Nepal, said Reddy. “Bharat Gaurav tourist train is starting its first Shri Ramayana Yatra for 18 days. The first trip of the train operating on the Ramayana Circuit will also cover the religious destination of Janakpur (in Nepal) for the first time in addition to other popular destinations such as Ayodhya, Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Panchavati (Nasik), Hampi, Rameshwaram and Bhadrachalam,” he added. In fact, he claimed, the Ministry of Tourism, in association with the IRCTC and Ministry of Railways, has also proposed
Bharat Gaurav tourist trains for Krishna Circuit, Buddhist Circuit and many other circuits. “Bharat Gaurav trains is an attempt to showcase the rich cultural, spiritual and historical legacy of the country to the people of India. The unique concept of Bharat Gaurav trains, as envisaged by the Ministry of Railways, will be helpful in promoting mass tourism across the country and provide an opportunity to people from all parts of the country to explore the architectural, cultural and historical marvels of the country,” Reddy added.
Bharat Gaurav trains attempt to showcase the rich cultural, spiritual and historical legacy of the country
Lauding the design of the train, he informed that the exterior of the coaches of the trains have been designed as a kaleidoscope of Bharat Gaurav or Pride of India, highlighting various facets of India such as monuments, dances, Yoga and folk art.
Vaishnaw claimed the launch of the Bharat Gaurav train is a historical day for everyone. “This is a gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to its citizens, and it is his dream that has now been realised. The main objective behind Bharat Gaurav train is to showcase the diverse culture and rich heritage of India. The response has been amazing and the passengers have said that they are impressed by the conceptualisation of such an initiative that fulfils their dream of visiting these pilgrimages. They said that such an initiative is unheard and no one thought about something like this for the last 50-60 years.”
Branded as Bharat Gaurav tourist trains, IRCTC is operating these special comfort category tourist trains to promote themebased tourism.