Not a Regular Ticket, but a Tour Package
First things first: the Rs 25,200 figure does not refer to a standard train ticket for a child. This price is associated with specific, all-inclusive tour packages offered by IRCTC, often under the 'Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train' scheme. These are special-purpose
trains designed to promote tourism, taking passengers on multi-day journeys to various cultural, historical, or religious sites across the country. The price mentioned is for a complete travel package, not just a train berth. A price of around Rs 25,300 has been listed for a child (5-11 years) on a 'Dakshin Bharat Yatra' package in 3AC, which clarifies the context of such figures. So, this is not a change in the everyday fare structure but a premium tourism product.
What Does the All-Inclusive Cost Cover?
The high price tag is justified by the comprehensive nature of these packages. The cost typically covers far more than just the train journey itself. For a child's package on a Bharat Gaurav train, the price generally includes the 3AC train fare for the entire tour, off-board hotel stays (often in AC hotels), all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), local transport for sightseeing in non-AC or AC buses, the services of a tour guide, and travel insurance. Essentially, it's a hassle-free, end-to-end travel solution designed for families and tourists who prefer a planned itinerary without the stress of managing bookings and logistics at each destination. Some packages span over 11-12 days, covering multiple cities and temples, making the daily cost more understandable.
Regular Child Fare Rules Remain Unchanged
It is crucial for passengers to understand that this special tour package price has no bearing on regular train travel rules. The existing child fare policy of Indian Railways remains firmly in place. According to the Ministry of Railways, children below five years of age can travel for free if no separate berth is booked for them. If parents voluntarily book a berth for a child under five, they are charged the full adult fare. For children aged between 5 and 11 years, parents have two options: they can choose to not book a separate berth, in which case they pay half the adult fare, or they can book a full berth, for which the full adult fare is charged. These rules apply to all standard train services and have not been altered.
Who Are These Packages For?
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains are targeted at a specific segment of travellers. They appeal to pilgrims, senior citizens, and families who wish to visit multiple destinations in a single trip with maximum convenience. For example, a 'Dakshin Bharat Yatra' might cover prominent temple towns like Tirupati, Rameswaram, and Madurai. Another popular circuit is the 'Shri Ramayana Yatra,' which covers significant sites associated with Lord Ram. By bundling travel, accommodation, food, and sightseeing, IRCTC caters to those who prioritise comfort and a pre-planned schedule over the flexibility of independent travel. The packages offer different tiers of comfort, from sleeper class to 2AC and 1AC, with prices varying accordingly. The headline's Rs 25,200 price point fits within the 3AC category for one of these extensive tours.
How to Book and Find Information
These special tour packages are not booked through the standard IRCTC portal used for regular tickets. Instead, they are listed and sold exclusively through the IRCTC Tourism website (irctctourism.com). The website provides detailed itineraries, departure dates, package costs for different classes and occupancy types (single, double, triple share), and the full list of inclusions. Interested passengers can find specific trains like the 'Shri Ramayana Yatra' or various 'Bharat Darshan' and 'Dakshin Bharat Yatra' tours. Bookings are typically made online or at designated IRCTC offices on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, anyone intrigued by such a package should consult the official tourism portal for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
