The next train from both the states will run on 18 April. (File)
New Delhi:
The first Telangana-Andhra Pradesh Bharat Gaurav train will depart from Secunderabad on Saturday, taking passengers on a journey to important religious, historical and cultural sites in the northern and eastern parts of the country, the Ministry of Railways said.
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will start ‘Punya Kshetra Yatra: Puri-Kashi-Ayodhya’ from Secunderabad Railway Station.
“This is the first ‘Bharat Gaurav Train’ of the two Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. This tourist circuit train will take rail passengers to some of the most ancient and important places in India in the eastern and northern parts of the country.” the ministry said in a statement.
The next train from both the states will run on April 18 and will follow the same itinerary as before.
The national transporter has launched Bharat Gaurav trains to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage by connecting important historical, cultural and religious places through railway service.
So far, 26 trips of Bharat Gaurav trains have been operated and it has covered around 22 states and four union territories. According to the statement, the ‘yatris’ (travellers) of the train that will depart on March 18 (Saturday) will get a unique opportunity to visit Puri, Konark, Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj in a span of eight nights and nine days.
For ease, boarding and de-boarding facilities have been provided at nine important stations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The statement said the response has been “huge” with all seats booked for this journey in the first run and passengers availing the facility from all stopping stations.
Railways said that the train provides holistic services to the passengers taking care of all their travel related needs.
“The tour package includes facilities (including both rail and road transport), accommodation facilities, washing and changing facilities, catering arrangements (morning tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner – both on-board and off-board) , includes the services of professional and friendly tour escorts,” the statement said.
Security in train – CCTV cameras installed in all coaches, public announcement facility in all coaches, travel insurance and presence of IRCTC tour managers during the journey for assistance.
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