The first Telangana-Andhra Pradesh Bharat Gaurav train will leave from Secunderabad on Saturday and will take passengers on a journey to important historical, religious and cultural sites in the north and east of the country. It was announced that Punya Kshetra Yatra: Puri-Kashi-Ayodhya will start at Secunderabad Railway Station by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
“This is the first ‘Bharat Gaurav Train’ of the two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This tourist circuit train will take rail passengers to some of the most ancient and important places in India in the eastern and northern parts of the country.” the ministry said in a statement.
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The next train from both the states will run on April 18 and will follow the same itinerary as before. The national transporter has launched Bharat Gaurav trains to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage by connecting important historical, cultural and religious places through railway service.
Till date, 26 trips of Bharat Gaurav trains have been operated, covering around 22 states and four union territories. According to the statement, the ‘yatris’ (travellers) of the train that will depart on March 18 (Saturday) will get a unique opportunity to visit Puri, Konark, Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj in a span of eight nights and nine days.
For ease, boarding and de-boarding facilities have been provided at nine important stations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The first journey had received a “humble” response, with all seats booked for the journey and passengers availing the facility at all stopping stations, the statement said. Railways said that the train provides holistic services to the passengers taking care of all their travel related needs.
“The tour package includes facilities (including both rail and road transport), accommodation facilities, washing and changing facilities, catering arrangements (morning tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner (both on-board and off-board), professional services) and friendly tour escorts,” the statement said.
Security on train, CCTV cameras in all coaches, public announcement facility in all coaches, travel insurance and presence of IRCTC tour managers during the journey for assistance.
with PTI inputs