Bharat Gaurav: New Train Service Commences Operations From Coimbatore To Shirdi

The first service of the theme-based Bharat Gaurav train from Coimbatore North to Sainagar Shirdi started its journey on Tuesday (14 June).

With this, Southern Railway becomes the first zone in Indian Railways to get the first registered service provider under the 'Bharat Gaurav' scheme and commence operations of the tourist service.

There were 1,100 passengers who boarded the maiden roundtrip service from Coimbatore to Shirdi.

The Bharat Gaurav train from Coimbatore North to Sainagar Shirdi commenced at 6 pm on 14 June 2022.

It is expected to reach Sainagar Shirdi at 7.25 am on 16 June 2022 with stoppages at Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Yelahanka, Dharmavaram, Mantralayam Road and Wadi.

During the onward journey from Coimbatore, the Bharat Gaurav train has a stoppage at Mantralayam Road station for five hours to facilitate darshan at Mantralayam temple.

On its return journey, the Bharat Gaurav train from Sainagar Shirdi to Coimbatore North will commence at 7.25 am on 17 June 2022 and reach Coimbatore North at 12 hours on 18 June 2022 with stoppages at Wadi, Dharmavaram, Yelahanka, Salem, Erode and Tirupur.

The 20-coach tourist train consists of First AC, Second AC and Third AC coaches and also Sleeper Class, Pantry car and Luggage-cum-Brake Vans.

South Star Rail is the registered service provider that operates the Bharat Gaurav train from Coimbatore to Shirdi and back.

The Coimbatore based company is registered and it is part of the conglomerate group — Future Gaming and Hotel Services Private Limited.

The service provider has paid Rs 1 crore as security deposit to Southern Railway for the rake with a composition of 20 coaches. Besides, the company has paid Rs 27.79 lakh for annual right to use charges and quarterly fixed haulage charges of Rs 76.77 lakh.

In addition, variable haulage charges of Rs 38.22 lakh also has been collected towards the current round trip. All these charges are excluding GST.

From operation of this Bharat Gaurav train, Southern Railway would get a total fixed revenue of Rs 3.34 crore per annum, and Rs 3.07 crore towards fixed haulage charges per annum.

In addition, variable haulage charge of Rs 38.22 lakh for the five-day trip from Coimbatore to Sainagar, Shirdi and back will accrue to Southern Railway. Similar variable charges will be collected for every trip depending upon the itinerary.

The registered service provider has refurbished the interiors of the coaches and all the coaches will be manned with round the clock cleaning staff and whole team of service professionals to offer passengers a wholesome experience.

A public address system has been provided in all coaches for regular communication, playing of devotional songs and mantras.

In addition to offering the option of exclusive transportation services, the registered service provider also offers a package fare which includes transportation from Coimbatore to Shirdi and back, VIP darshan, bus arrangement, air-conditioned accommodation, facilitation by tour guide, etc.

There will be a doctor on board to attend to any emergency in the train besides there are private securities engaged along with the Railway Police Force for protection of passengers.

There will be on board electricians and AC mechanic and fire and safety officers. The train is maintained by branded housekeeping service providers who will clean the utility areas on frequent intervals, and the caterers are experienced in providing a traditional vegetarian fare.

The coaches are fitted with high bass sounding speakers and an on-rail radio jockey to keep the passengers entertained during the journey. There will be devotional songs, spiritual stories and live interviews to keep the journey pleasant.

Indian Railways had launched the operation of theme-based Bharat Gaurav train in November 2021. The objective of this theme is to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world, through Bharat Gaurav trains.

This scheme also aims to leverage the core strengths of the professionals of the tourism sector to run theme-based trains to tap the vast tourist potential of India.

At present, IRCTC is already running several tourist circuit trains in the railways. With introduction of this policy, all tourist circuit trains with effect from 01-04-2022 shall be operated as per the guidelines issued under this policy.

The Bharat Gaurav scheme will now help in roping in more tour operators with professional experience and will give a boost to the tourism sector in the country.