Indian Railway to Launch ‘Bharat Gaurav’ Trains to Boost Tourism and can be Run by Private Sectors. Private tour operators can now take trains on lease from the railways and run them on any circuit of their choice, with the freedom to decide routes, fares and quality of services under a new scheme called Bharat Gaurav.
The railways has got 3,033 ICF coaches for Bharat Gaurav Trains, roughly translating to 150 trains.
From societies, trusts, consortia and even state governments can apply to take these trains and run them on special tourism circuits base on a theme.
The railways means trains like Guru Kripa that goes to all places related to Guru Nanak or a Ramayan-theme train to touch upon places related to Lord Ram, as per railways.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw while launching it said this would be a new segment in Indian Railways.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Said :
Ashwini Vaishnaw said the railways has done stakeholder consultation and there was demand for ICF coaches and in the future, even Vande Bharat, vistadome and LHB type of coaches can be include.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Said :
Any interested party can apply online by registering with a one-time fee of Rs 1 lakh.
The parameters of the scheme are that the operator has to offer sightseeing, food, local transport (taxi etc), hotels at stopover places, onboard entertainment and such things.
The arrangement can be for two to 10 years.
Operators have to give a security deposit of Rs 1 crore per rake.
The size of each train would be 14-20 coaches, including two guard vans.
The railways will just take haulage charges and a Right to Use fee.
The railways will set up special units in zones to facilitate and handhold the operators.
Branding and advertisement are permit inside and on the exterior of the trains.
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