·The train promotestourism in the country by connecting important historical, cultural and religious places in India.
·It is operated by IRCTC and provides boarding / de-boarding facility to passengers in both Telugu States
Ministry of Railways has introduced ‘Bharat Gaurav’ train concept to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage by connecting magnificent places of the country through Rail. Accordingly, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has registered as the first service provider in SCR Zone. The first Bharat Gaurav tourist train service is being started by IRCTC from South Central Railway on 18th March, 2023. This train namely the ‘Punyakshetra Yatra: Puri – Kasi – Ayodhya’ will start from Secunderabad Railway Station with stoppages at important enroute railway stations of both the Telugu states (for boarding/deboarding of passengers).
In this regard, Shri Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, SCR held a press meet today i.e., 15th March, 2023 at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad to highlight the features of this train. Shri P. Uday Kumar Reddy, AGM, SCR, Shri Abhay Kumar Gupta, DRM, Secunderabad, Shri P. Raja Kumar, Group General Manager, IRCTC along with other senior Railway officials also participated in the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Arun Kumar Jain stated that the “Punyakshetra Yatra: Puri – Kasi – Ayodhya” Bharat Gaurav tour which is being run by IRCTC is a great opportunity for Rail passengers intending to visit several historical and pilgrimage places at one go. He stated that the Punyakshetra Yatra, which is an 8 nights and 9 days tour from 18thto 26th March, 2023 will cover the important spiritual destinations such as Puri, Konark, Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. He said that this tour is sure to provide a diverse and comfortable tourist experience to the passengers. The Passengers can board/ deboard from the nominated stations in both the Telugu states viz., Secunderabad, Kazipet, Khammam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram, he added.
He further stated that this train avoids all the difficulties in individually planning and making all travel related arrangements like suitable trains, accommodation, food etc. This train service comes with an all inclusive package so that the passenger need not worry about all those arrangements as the IRCTC, which have adequate experience in this field, have designed the tour program after taking all the factors into consideration. This provides comfortable, safe and secure travel option.
