Kolkata,
Indian Railways has planned to introduce the theme based tourist circuit trains “Bharat Gaurav” to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and glorious historical places to the people. It will help to tap the vast tourism potential of India.
A meeting was organised at SER Headquarters, Garden Reach today (3rd December, 2021) to brief the private tour operators about the different aspects of the “Bharat Gaurav” trains. Mohd. Owais, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, SER met the interested tour operators and expressed hope that the new scheme of the Govt. would be a success. Shri R. Murugaraj, Chief Commercial Manager (Passenger Services & Catering), Sri Niraj Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer and Sri S. Koley, Deputy Chief Commercial Manager (Passenger Services) were present at the meet and explained the different aspects of the “Bharat Gaurav” trains to the tour operators. Representatives of some renowned tour operators were present at the meeting.
Tour operators will have the flexibility to decide the themes, tour packages and cost and will have the liberty to offer all inclusive packages to the tourists including rail travel, hotel accommodation, sightseeing etc.
Tour operators can apply for registration online. They can purchase the rake directly from the Indian Railway Production Units or take lease from the railways. Required rakes will be provided by the railway under “Right to Use”. The service providers can decorate the interior and exterior of the trains and can earn from third party advertisements. Private operators will be granted to use the coaches for a period of minimum two years and maximum up to residual codal life of the coaches. “Bharat Gaurav” trains will have minimum 14 coaches and maximum 20 coaches with 2 SLR (Seating-cum-Luggage coach). The service provider can use the SLR portion of the train for carrying luggage. Two coach maintenance staff and one supervisor will be deputed on each train to attend maintenance related issue during the journey. Each “Bharat Gaurav” train will bear a unique number and will be given priority at par with other mail/express trains. The movement of the trains will be monitored by the division of the concerned zonal railway. A customer support unit will also be established under Commercial Department of the concerned Zonal Railway Headquarters.