The first privately-run train in India was hailed off by the Indian Railways’ southern zone on Tuesday as part of the Bharat Gaurav initiative. The inaugural round trip service from Coimbatore to Shirdi saw over 1100 people board.
“The Bharat Gaurav Train from Coimbatore North to Sainagar Shirdi commenced at 18:00 hours on Tuesday, June 14th, 2022 (Tuesday) and reached Sainagar Shirdi at 07:25 hours on Thursday, June 16th, 2022 (Thursday), with stoppages at Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Yelahanka, Dharmavaram, Mantralayam Road, and Wadi,” the
The Bharat Gaurav policy, which went into effect in November of last year, permits private companies to run trains on themed circuits.
This train is operated by South Star Rail, a certified service provider. Future Gaming & Hotel Services Pvt Ltd, situated in Coimbatore, is a registered company that is part of the Future Gaming & Hotel Services Pvt Ltd group. For the rake of 20 coaches, the service provider has paid a security deposit of Rs 1 crore to Southern Railway.
“In addition, the business has paid Rs 27.79 lakh in yearly Right to Use fees and Rs 76.77 lakh in quarterly fixed transportation fees.” In addition, Rs 38.22 lakh in variable transportation rates have been received for the current round journey. “GST is not included in any of these expenses,” the government stated.
One first-class AC coach, three second-class AC coaches, eight third-class AC coaches, and five sleeper-class coaches are included in the scheme’s trains.
There will also be a doctor on board to attend to any medical emergencies, as well as private protection and the Railway Police Force.
“The interiors of the coaches have been rebuilt by the licenced service provider, and all coaches will be staffed with round-the-clock cleaning employees and a full team of service specialists to give passengers with a wholesome experience.” All coaches have a public address system for regular contact and the playing of religious tunes and mantras, according to the ministry.
The registered service provider also “offers a package pricing that includes transportation from Coimbatore to Shirdi and return, VIP darshan, bus arrangement, air-conditioned lodging, and tour guide assistance,” according to the statement.
Under the Bharat Gaurav policy, any operator or service provider, or almost anybody, can lease trains from Indian Railways to run on a theme-based circuit as part of a particular tourism package. The arrangement lasts for a minimum of two years and a maximum of the coach’s codal life. The route, halts, services supplied, and, most crucially, the pricing are all at the discretion of the operator.
The IRCTC operates such theme-based tourist trains as the Ramayana Express, which takes passengers on a tour of many locations associated with Lord Ram.
Passengers on such packaged trips often stop over at a location, stay in hotels, do sightseeing, and so on, all of which is organised by tour operators.
Indian Railways will supply train drivers, guards, and maintenance personnel for the coaches on board. Other personnel, such as cleaning and catering, will be assigned by the operator. It will also make sure that all of the necessary infrastructure is in place to safely and effectively host the train on its network. It will also give these trains precedence in its tracks, such as Rajdhanis and premium trains, so that they are neither delayed or bypassed in order to create room for normal trains.
