What's Happening?
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is set to operate a special tourist train, the Bharat Gaurav, from Thiruvananthapuram North starting August 22, 2026. This initiative is part of the Union government's 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'
and 'Dekho Apna Desh' programs aimed at promoting domestic tourism. The train will cover major tourist destinations including Ahmedabad, Ekta Nagar, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur over an 11-night, 12-day journey, returning to Thiruvananthapuram on September 2. The train, which can accommodate 662 tourists, features AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier, and sleeper coaches, and is equipped with enhanced security measures such as CCTV cameras and security guards. The all-inclusive package starts at Rs 21,190 per person for the economy category.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it aligns with the Indian government's efforts to boost domestic tourism, which is a crucial sector for economic growth and cultural exchange. By offering a comprehensive travel package, the IRCTC aims to make travel more accessible and secure, potentially increasing tourism revenue and providing economic benefits to the regions included in the tour. The focus on security and convenience reflects a broader strategy to enhance the travel experience and attract more domestic tourists, which can lead to job creation and infrastructure development in the tourism sector.
What's Next?
The success of this initiative could lead to more such tourist train packages being introduced, further promoting domestic tourism. The IRCTC's collaboration with payment gateways like Paytm and Razorpay to offer EMI options indicates a move towards making travel financially accessible to a broader audience. Future developments may include expanding the network of tourist trains to cover more destinations and introducing additional security and comfort features to enhance the travel experience.
