Indian Railways: The first Bharat Gaurav tourist train of two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh left on its journey from Secunderabad railway station on Saturday. According to a statement by South Central Railway (SCR), IRCTC Chairman and Managing Director Rajni Hasija and other top railway officials were present at the time. South Central Railway (SCR) General Manager Arun Kumar Jain gave away welcome kits to the passengers.
The station was in a festive mood, with passengers being accorded a traditional welcome and Kuchipudi dancers highlighting the cultural heritage of the two Telugu states. The Puri-Kashi-Ayodhya train is being operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
IRCTC provides end-to-end services for pilgrims traveling by train. This includes all travel facilities (including both rail and road transport), accommodation, catering (morning tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner, both on-board and off-board), services of professional and friendly tour escorts Are included. Security on train (including CCTV cameras fitted in all coaches), public announcement facility in all coaches, travel insurance and presence of IRCTC tour managers during the journey for assistance.
The tour includes visits to historical places in Puri, Konark, Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj over a period of 8 nights and 9 days. Arun Kumar Jain said that the train offers a unique opportunity to the pilgrims to visit culturally prominent places without the hassle of planning an individual itinerary.
He also said that Bharat Gaurav trains will give a boost to tourism in the country along with fulfilling the desire of tourists in the most convenient way. IRCTC CMD Rajni Hasija said that the entire itinerary has been planned keeping in mind the interest of the tourists as well as the importance of the places.
