The Karnataka government has recently announced subsidised ticket fares for ‘Bharat Gaurav’ trains running from Bengaluru to Kashi.
The trains, which are set to launch from the next month, would cost Rs 15,000 per passenger. However, Karnataka becomes the first state to provide a subsidy of Rs 5,000 with arrangements for food, water, accommodation, and local transport at the pilgrim centres made by the IRCTC.
The development was announced by Shashikala Jolle, who holds the Religious Endowment, Haj, and Wakf portfolio. She added that the seven-day tour programme would be offered at discounted rates for the pilgrims, and will cover the holy places of Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
Credits: Business Standard
“Most people desire that the Kashi Yatra (Varanasi pilgrimage) should be undertaken at least once in a lifetime. It was my desire to launch such a programme, which is now fulfilled. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had conceptualised this idea and extended all cooperation,” she said.
A 'Bharat Gaurav' pilgrimage train will run from Bengaluru to Varanasi in the last week of August, Shashikala Jolle, the religious endowment, Haj and wakf minister, saidhttps://t.co/qRuXDOg2uS
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) July 12, 2022
Preparations have been made for the modification of trains after detailed discussions with the Railway officials. The train was hired by giving a bank guarantee of Rs 1 crore.
The tour will cover a route stretching 4,161 kilometers. There are 14 coaches on the train, out of which 11 are for the passengers. These coaches are named after the temples of Karnataka. Interestingly, one bogie would be converted into a temple for passengers to offer their prayers during the travel.
Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw announces introduction of ‘Bharat Gaurav Trains’
Bharat Gaurav Trains to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to people of India and worldhttps://t.co/WVzFiUtXuo pic.twitter.com/IM6zVCi4OW
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) November 23, 2021
Bharat Gaurav trains were first announced by the Government of India in November last year. They are the brainchild of PM Narendra Modi, who suggested the idea of theme-based trains to enable citizens ‘to understand, appreciate and take forward India’s heritage.’
References: Swarajya Magazine, The Print
Featured Image Source: Swarajya Magazine
