Lok Sabha Question No. 2531 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-11
Subject: Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, Shri Manish Jaiswal, Shri Darshan Singh Choudhary, Smt. Himadri Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2531

TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.12.2024

## BHARAT GAURAV TOURIST TRAIN

2531. SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO:

SHRI MANISH JAISWAL:

SMT. HIMADRI SINGH:

SHRI DARSHAN SINGH CHOUDHARY:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details about the objectives and salient features of the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train being run by the Railways destinations of the Bharat  Gauarv  Tourist  Train  Shri  Jagannath  Yatra  the  initiative contributed to promote the tourism and cultural development in the country;
- (b) the  details  of  amenities  on  the  Bharat  Gaurav  Deluxe  AC  Tourist Train for passengers comfort and safety;
- (c) the  details  of  the  appreciation  letter  by  the  travelers  who  have experienced the services and facilities of the said trains;
- (d) whether the launch of the said Train align with the 'Dekho Apna Desh'  initiative  of  the  Government  of  India  and  if  so,  the  role played  by  this  train    to  promote  domestic  tourism  within  the country;
- (e) whether the Shri Ram-Janaki Yatra: Ayodhya to Janakpur initiative promotes  bilateral  relations  between  India  and  Nepal,  if  so,  the details thereof;
- (f) whether  the  Garvi  Gujarat  tour  through  the  said  Train  help  to promote India's cultural heritage, if so, the details thereof;

- (g) the steps taken by the Government  to  ensure  uninterrupted operation and maintenance of the said trains solving the Government's  commitment  to  provide  quality  services  to  the passengers; and
- (h) the  details  of  special  trains  running  for  promoting  Jharkhand Tourism?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (h)    Indian  Railways  issued  the  'Bharat  Gaurav  Trains'  policy  in November 2021. The objective of this scheme is to showcase India's rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world through Bharat Gaurav Trains. Bharat Gaurav Tourist train, 'Shri Jagannath Yatra' was operated on 25.01.2023. It covered Varanasi (Kashi),  Baidyanath  Dham,  Jagannath  Puri,  Bhubaneshwar,  Konark  and Gaya in a 7 Nights & 8 days trip.

Shri Ram Janki Yatra covers pilgrimage destinations associated with the life of Lord Ram, including Janakpur, which is located in Nepal. The tour itinerary covers Ayodhya, Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Janakpur (Nepal), Buxar, Varanasi, Sita Samahit Sthal, Prayagraj, Shringevarpur & Chitrakoot. This initiative has popularized Janakpur and has placed it as an  important  pilgrimage  in  the  minds  of  Indians.  This  interconnection exemplifies the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of India and Nepal, highlighting  the  profound  civilizational  ties  that  unite  the  two  nations. Such  initiatives  enhance  people-to-people  connectivity  and  serve  to further strengthen cultural exchanges.

The  "Garvi  Gujarat"  tour  operated  through  Bharat  Gaurav  Train  covers various cultural and historical destinations, like  Champaner, Pavagadh, Sabarmati Ashram, Modhera Sun Temple, Rani Ki Vav (Patan), Dwarkadhish,  Somnath  temple,  Nageshwar  Jyotirlinga   and  modern marvels like the Statue of Unity at Kevadia and Dandi Kutir (Ahmedabad).

The  Baijnath  Dham  at  Deoghar  in  Jharkhand  is  one  of  the  pilgrimage destinations  covered  in  some  of  the  tour  itineraries  of  Bharat  Gaurav Trains.

The  Bharat  Gaurav  Deluxe  AC  tourist  trains  provide  comfortable  and modern passenger amenities during travel, which include a dining car, shower  cubicle,  onboard  announcement  facilities,  mini  library,  digital lockers, foot massagers, etc.

It  is  the  continuous  endeavour  of  Indian  Railways  to  ensure  seamless operation  and  maintenance  of Bharat  Gaurav  trains.   Two  maintenance staff are also deployed on board to look after maintenance issues during the journey.

Feedback  from  the  onboard  tourists  is  collected  and  constructive suggestions are taken into consideration for overall improvement in services.   Indian  Railways  strive  to  provide  the  best  of  services  to tourists  travelling  in  Bharat  Gaurav  trains  and  to  make  their  travel experience memorable.

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