Hyderabad, Mar 18 (Representative) The first Originating Bharat Gaurav Train from the two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh commenced its journey from Secunderabad Station on Saturday. 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. SCR General Manager Arun Kumar Jain handed over the welcome kits to the Rail Yatris in the presence of 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, a SCR release here said. 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, 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.Rajni Hasija said 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. John Prasad, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, SCR, Abhay Kumar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager Secunderabad Division, 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.