Bharat Gaurav Scheme

On November 23, 2021 Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw newly launched Bharat Gaurav scheme to pave a way for the public to experience the rich Indian cultural heritage. Under this scheme central railway ministry has started about 150 trains which can be taken on lease for theme based tourism circuits. Anyone from individuals, trusts, societies, private tour operators, state governments, etc., can take these trains on lease. These trains will function on theme based tourism circuit similar to Guru Kripa or Ramayan themed trains. Under this scheme the operator will have the freedom to decide the routes, fares, services, etc. During the journey, the tourists in these trains will get to experience different places of Indian culture and its diversity.

Scheme Overview:

Objectives and Benefits:

• The main objective of the scheme is to encourage theme based tourism in the country.
• It intends to let people experience the rich Indian cultural heritage, culture and its diversity.
• Under this scheme any individual, trust, society, private tour operator, state government departments, etc., can take the train on lease on payment of one time fee and security deposit.
• Train operator will get freedom to decide the routes, fares, services, etc.
• This scheme will help to create new direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• It intends to promote theme based tourism circuits in the country.

Scheme Details:

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched Bharat Gaurav scheme on November 23, 2021.
• This scheme is launched by the railway department as a new segment in the Indian railways for promoting theme based tourism.
• It intends to pave a way for the public to experience the rich Indian cultural heritage.
• Under this scheme central railway ministry has started about 3033 ICF coaches i.e., 150 trains which can be taken on lease for theme based tourism circuits.
• Anyone from individuals, trusts, societies, private tour operators, state governments, etc., can take these trains on lease.
• Each train would include 14-20 coaches and two guard vans.
• These trains will function on theme based tourism circuit similar to Guru Kripa which run at places related to Guru Nanak or Ramayan themed trains which run at places related to Lord Ram.
• Under this scheme the operator will have the freedom to decide the routes, fares, services, etc.
• Railway department will keep a check that public is not overcharged for the train services.
• Operator will have to provide sightseeing, food, local transport, onboard entertainment and other relevant things to the tourists.
• Interested operators can send applications to the Indian railways for taking the train on lease and will have to pay one-time fee and security deposit for the same.
• During the journey, the tourists in these trains will get to experience different places of Indian culture and its diversity.
• Currently the railway department has included ICF coaches under this scheme Vande Bharat, Vista dome and LHB type of coaches will also be included.
• Indian railways will also set up special units in various zones for the support of operators.
• This scheme will create new employment opportunities in the country.
• It will provide an opportunity to the public to experience the rich Indian culture and its diversity.