Private tour operators can now lease trains from the Railways and run them on any circuit of their alternative, beneath a brand new scheme referred to as Bharat Gaurav launched on Tuesday.
Railways has earmarked 3,033 ICF coaches for this function, which roughly interprets to 150 trains. Anyone from societies, trusts, consortia and even state governments can apply to take these trains and run them on themed particular vacationer circuits.
The railways mentioned in an announcement that by themed tourism, railways means a Guru Kripa-like practice that visits all of the locations associated to Guru Nanak or a Ramayana-themed practice to the touch the locations associated to Lord Rama.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav whereas launching it mentioned that it is going to be a brand new part in Indian Railways.
“All this happened when we had freight and passenger segments. There will be another new section in Bharat Gaurav train services,” he mentioned. “Our country has such a rich cultural heritage. These trains are meant to take tourists to experience places with cultural heritage,” he advised reporters.
Vaishnav mentioned that the Railways has consulted the stakeholders and there was a requirement for ICF coaches and Vande Bharat, Vistadome and LHB kind coaches might also be included in future. “The ICF coaches are familiar. Hence there was a demand from the stakeholders,” he mentioned, including that a number of state governments have proven curiosity in working these trains.
Any social gathering can apply on-line by registering with a one-time payment of Rs. The plan norms are that the operator has to supply sightseeing excursions, meals, native transport (taxi and so forth.), inns at stopover areas, onboard leisure and such issues. The association may be for 2 to 10 years. The operators must pay a safety deposit of Rs 1 crore per rake. The dimension of every practice will probably be of 14-20 coaches with two guard vans. Railways will cost solely freight fees and proper of use fees.
For the comfort and dealing with of operators, Railways will arrange particular items within the zone. Branding and promoting are permitted inside and out of doors the trains.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
