·The train witnesses huge response with 100% occupation and passengers’ interest from all stopping stations across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
·Traditional Welcome and festive atmosphere greets the pilgrim passengers
The first Originating Bharat Gaurav Train from the two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh commenced its journey from Secunderabad Station today i.e., 18th March 2023. A festive atmosphere reverberated at the station premises with Rail Yatris being greeted with traditional welcome and Kuchipudi dancers evoking cultural heritage of the two Telugu states. Shri Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railways handed over the welcome kits to the Rail Yatris in the presence of Smt. Rajni Hasija, Chairman and Managing Director, IRCTC and other senior Railway Officials.
Named as “Punya Kshetra Yatra: Puri – Kasi – Ayodhya”, the train is being operated by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). IRCTC is providing end-to-end services for the pilgrim tourist passengers travelling by the train. It includes all travel facilities (including both rail as well as road transport), accommodation facility, catering arrangements (Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – both on-Board and Off-Board), Services of professional and friendly tour escorts, Security on train (including CCTV Cameras installed in all Coaches), Public announcement facility in all coaches, Travel insurance and presence of IRCTC Tour Managers throughout the travel for assistance.
The tour involves visiting important and historical places in Puri, Konark, Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj over a period of 8 nights / 9 days duration. The train comprises of both AC and Non-AC Class coaches so as to meet the demands of rail passengers. Reflecting the passenger interest to the unique initiative, yatris from all the 9 stopping stations (including Secunderabad) spread across the two Telugu states have come forward to avail the opportunity. All the 700 seats on the train have been completely booked.
On this occasion, Shri Arun Kumar Jain stated that the train offers a unique opportunity to pilgrim passengers to visit these culturally prominent places without the hassle of planning individual itinerary items. He stated that, Bharat Gaurav trains will give major fillip to the growth of Tourism in the country, while also fulfilling the desire the tourist passengers in the most convenient manner.
Smt. Rajni Hasija, CMD, IRCTC stated that the whole tour itinerary has been planned keeping in mind the significance of the places along with tourists interest. She stated that it provides an economical, safe and most comfortable option for people planning to visit these places. Shri John Prasad, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, SCR, Shri. Abhay Kumar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager Secunderabad Division, Shri. P. Raj Kumar, GGM, IRCTC along with other Senior Railway officials witnessed the flagging-off of the first originating Bharat Gaurav Train from Secunderabad Railway Station.
| Destinations and visits covered |
| Puri | Lord Jagannath Temple |
| Konark | Sun Temple & Beach |
| Gaya | Vishnu Pada Temple |
| Varanasi | Kashi Viswanath Temple & Corridor, Kashi Vishalakshi and Annapurna Devi temple. Evening Ganga Aarti |
| Ayodhya | Ram Janma Bhoomi, Hanumangarhi and Aarati at Sarayu River |
| Pryagraj | Triveni Sangam, Hanuman Mandir and Shankar Viman Mandapam |
