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In a major boost to religious and cultural tourism, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is set to release the full-year schedule for its Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains by August 15, 2025. This strategic move aims to streamline travel planning for pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts while enhancing onboard comfort with the addition of new air-conditioned coaches. The announcement, made by IRCTC’s Chief Regional Manager Ajith Kumar Sinha, reflects the growing popularity of these theme-based trains and the need for better infrastructure to meet rising demand.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
IRCTC will publish the complete annual schedule for all Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains operating in the financial year.
The schedule will include dates, routes, stoppages, and booking details for each train.
To accommodate increasing passenger volumes, three new AC 3-tier coaches will be added to the existing fleet.
Trains will now feature four AC 3-tier and one AC 2-tier coaches, along with a pantry car, totaling 14 coaches per train.
Why the Update Matters
Advance Planning for Devotees With the full-year schedule available in one go, travelers can plan their spiritual journeys well in advance. This is especially beneficial for those visiting destinations like Jyotirlingas, Ayodhya, and Dwarkadhish.
Reduced Ticketing Chaos The June 30 Bharat Gaurav train from Gorakhpur to seven Jyotirlingas saw a long waiting list and many passengers unable to secure confirmed tickets. The new schedule aims to prevent such bottlenecks.
Improved Comfort and Capacity The addition of AC coaches will enhance travel comfort, particularly during long-distance journeys across India’s diverse climate zones.
Expanded Routes and Monthly Departures
IRCTC plans to operate Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains from major stations including Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Agra every month.
These trains will cover circuits such as:
Kashi Darshana and Dakshina Yatra for Karnataka residents
Ambedkar Yatra with Panch Jyotirlinga Darshan from Secunderabad
Swarnim Bharat Yatra from Delhi covering 15 historic sites
Onboard Amenities and Fare Options
Each train will offer:
AC and non-AC sleeper options
Fresh meals from onboard pantry cars
CCTV surveillance and public announcement systems
Travel insurance and guided excursions
Passengers can now pay via EMIs, making spiritual tourism more accessible.
Challenges and Considerations
Demand Management Despite added coaches, demand remains high. IRCTC may need to further expand capacity or frequency to meet expectations.
Route Optimization With multiple circuits and overlapping destinations, efficient scheduling and coordination will be key to smooth operations.
Affordability vs. Luxury While deluxe AC trains offer premium experiences, IRCTC must balance pricing to ensure inclusivity for budget travelers.
What’s Next?
Digital Integration IRCTC is expected to update its tourism portal with the new schedule, allowing seamless online booking and itinerary planning.
Promotional Campaigns Awareness drives across states will encourage early bookings and highlight new routes and amenities.
Feedback Mechanism Passenger feedback from previous journeys will be incorporated to improve service quality and itinerary design.
Conclusion
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train initiative continues to evolve as a cornerstone of India’s domestic tourism strategy. With the upcoming release of a comprehensive schedule and upgraded coaches, IRCTC is making it easier and more comfortable for citizens to explore the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage. As the trains roll out from more stations and offer enhanced services, they promise not just a journey—but an experience steeped in tradition, comfort, and discovery.
Source: The Daily Jagran – August 3, 2025
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