First Bharat Gaurav Train flagged off | Fusion - WeRIndia

The first train under the Bharat Gaurav scheme has been launched by the Indian Railways. The maiden service started Tuesday from Coimbatore to Shirdi. It reaches Shirdi today and halts there for one-day.

It will start its journey from Shirdi on Friday and reach Coimbatore by Saturday noon. Around 1,100 passengers boarded the roundtrip service.

Indian Railways launched the Bharat Gaurav scheme in November last year. Trains under this scheme will be operated by private players after procuring them from railways. Besides, they will be operated on theme-based circuits.

In other words, private players and tour operators can procure trains on lease to operate them on their desired choice of the circuit. Routes and fares will be decided by them, but not by railways. However, railways assures the price will not be too high.

One of the most interesting things is that anyone can procure these trains on lease from the railways. From individuals to groups, startups, societies, and tour operators can apply to the railways to operate them on special tourism circuits.

The journey in the Bharat Gaurav trains includes a package that comprises rail travel, accommodation, sightseeing arrangements, tour guides, and a visit to historical sites. Tour operators can decide the fare based on the services they offer to tourists.

The railways allocated 190 trains to be operated on theme-based circuits. Each train will consist of 14 to 20 coaches, including guard vans.

The Bharat Gaurav trains will showcase the cultural heritage of India. Interested people can apply online with a registration fee of ₹1 lakh. Besides, a security deposit of ₹10 lakhs per rake will be collected from applicants. The time to use will be two to ten years.

Railways will allot coaches to all eligible applicants as per their availability. However, priority will be given based on the rake security deposit time and date.

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