Coimbatore: The first theme-based Bharat Gaurav train from Coimbatore North to Sainagar Shirdi started its journey today. With this, Southern Railway becomes the first zone in Indian Railways to get the first registered service provider under the ‘Bharat Gaurav” Scheme and commence the operations of the maiden service from Coimbatore North to Sainagar Shirdi.
In all, 1100 passengers boarded the maiden roundtrip service from Coimbatore to Shirdi.
Indian Railways launched the operation of the theme-based Bharat Gaurav train in the month of November 2021. The objective of this theme is to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world, through Bharat Gaurav Trains. This scheme also aims to leverage the core strengths of the professionals in the tourism sector to run theme-based trains to tap the tourism potential of India.
South Star Rail is the registered service provider that operates this Bharat Gaurav Train from Coimbatore to Shirdi and back. This Coimbatore-based company is part of the conglomerate group – Future Gaming & Hotel Services Pvt. Limited. The service provider has paid Rs.1 Crore as a security deposit to Southern Railway for the rake with a composition of 20 coaches. Besides, the company has paid Rs.27.79 lakh for annual right to Use charges and Quarterly fixed haulage charges of Rs.76.77 lakh. In addition, Variable haulage charges of Rs. 38.22 lakhs also has been collected towards the current round trip. All these charges are excluding GST.
From the operation of this Bharat Gaurav train, Southern Railway would get a total fixed revenue of Rs. 3.34 crores per annum, i.e., an annual Right to use charges of Rs. 27.79 lakhs (excluding GST) and Rs. 3.07 Crores towards Fixed haulage charges p.a. In addition variable haulage charge of Rs. 38.22 lakhs (excl GST) for the 5-day trip from Coimbatore to Sainagar, Shirdi and back will accrue to Southern Railway. Similar variable charges will be collected for every trip depending upon the itinerary.
The registered service provider has refurbished the interiors of the coaches and all the coaches will be manned with round-the-clock cleaning staff and a whole team of service professionals to offer passengers a wholesome experience. A public address system has been provided in all coaches for regular communication, and playing of devotional songs and mantras. In addition to the option of offering the option of exclusive transportation services, the registered service provider also offers a package fare which includes transportation from Coimbatore to Shirdi and back, VIP darshan, bus arrangement, and air-conditioned accommodation, facilitation by the tour guide, etc.
Other features of the train service are:
- There will be a Doctor on board to attend to any emergency
- There are Private securities engaged along with the Railway Police Force to protect us from any kind of harm
- There will be on board electricians and AC Mechanic and Fire and Safety Officers
- The train is maintained by branded housekeeping service providers who will clean the utility areas at frequent intervals and the caterers are experienced and rich in holding the traditional vegetarian menus.
- The coaches are fitted with high bass-sounding speakers and an on-rail Radio Jockey to keep the passengers entertained during the journey. There will be devotional songs, spiritual stories and live interviews to keep the journey pleasant
- Completely Toxic-free and Smoke-free
– global bihari bureau
