Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra Tourist Train Flagged Off From Nizamuddin

Aiming at highlighting the places and destinations connected with the life of B R Ambedkar a special tourist train was launched from Nizamuddin station on Friday (14 April).

Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra as part of Bharat Gaurav Tourist service was flagged off by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Virendra Kumar along with Tourism and Culture Minister, G Kishan Reddy, on the auspicious day of Ambedkar Jayanti for eight days' journey.

Speaking on the occasion Virendra Kumar highlighted the achievements of Baba Saheb Ambedkar towards society and their contribution for the rights of the socially backward classes.

He appreciated the Railways for running this Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra train while Reddy said that tourists shall visit the prominent places associated with the life of Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar and the Buddhist heritage in eight days journey for a holistic experience and this train is truly fulfilling the 'Dekho Apna Desh' initiative of India.

The proposed seven nights and eight days Bharat Gaurav Tourist train after departure from Delhi, on its first halt will arrive at Dr Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow) in Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Baba Saheb (Bhim Janam Bhoomi).

The train then moves to Nagpur railway station where tourists proceed to visit Deekshabhoomi, a consecrated monument of Navayana  Buddhism. The train departs from Nagpur for Sanchi. The sightseeing of Sanchi includes visits to the eponymous stupa and other Buddhist sites.

Sanchi is followed by Varanasi as the next destination along with a visit to Sarnath and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Gaya is the next and final destination where the tourists will be taken to the holy site of Bodhgaya to visit the famous Mahabodhi Temple and other monasteries. Rajgir and Nalanda, the other important Buddhist sites, would also be covered by roads.

The tour will finally terminate in New Delhi. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, fondly referred to as “Baba Saheb”, was the main architect of the Indian Constitution. Besides, he was also an eminent jurist, political activist, anthropologist, author, orator, historian, writer, economist, and scholar.

Ambedkar, throughout his life, fought to eradicate social evils like untouchability and stood up for the rights of the socially backward classes.

The tour, Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra, designed by Indian Railways, aims to highlight the places and destinations connected with the life of Ambedkar.

The Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra tourist train having ten AC-3Tier coaches’ accommodation coaches will accommodate a total number of 600 tourists. This tourist train will have the facility of a Pantry Coach which will serve vegetarian food to the tourists.

Besides travel insurance for the passengers and security on the train, tourists can board/ deboard at Delhi, Mathura Jn, and Agra stations.

Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train launch is in line with the Government of India initiative Dekho Apna Desh to promote domestic tourism.

Starting from a price range of Rs 21,650 per person, the tourist train will be an all-inclusive tour package covering a train journey in 3AC, a night stay at hotels, and all meals (vegetarian only).

All transfers and sightseeing in buses, services of guide and travel insurance, etc. All necessary health precautionary measures will be taken care of and railways will make efforts to provide a safe and memorable experience to the guests.

Shobhan Chaudhuri, General Manager, Northern Railway, Rajni Hasija, CMD, IRCTC, Dimpy Garg, DRM/Delhi Division, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.